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Business Crime Prevention
Robbery Prevention
PREVENTION MEASURES
Keep a Clear View from Outside
- Make sure you and your cash register are clearly visible from outside. Create a "fishbowl" look. Limit use of window signs and floor displays. If you can see out easily, passer-bys and police can see in.
Keep Cash Register Money to a Minimum
- Place large bills in a drop safe or other secure device as soon as you get them.
- Ask customers if they have exact change or smaller bills. This will help you minimize the money in your register.
- Record the serial number of several bills ("bait money") that are given out only in the event of a robbery.
Turn all Lighting on at Night
- Be certain you have adequate inside and outside lighting. Eliminate any dark areas.
- Utilize photo sensors to insure lights come on at night.
- Replace burnt out bulbs promptly.
Keep your Business Looking Neat and Clean
- A neat and clean environment is great for business but uncomfortable for most robbers.
- When not making a sale, stay away from the register. Most robbers do not like to spend the extra time it takes to bring you back to the sales counter.
Keep Alert
- Know what is happening outside as well as inside your business.
- Watch for loiterers and ask them to leave.
- Greet everyone who enters your business.
- Don't be afraid to call police (911) when you see suspicious persons or activity.
IF YOU ARE ROBBED
Cooperate with the Robber
- Do exactly as you are told. If you don't understand what you are being told to do, ask.
- Give the robber(s) what they want. Don't argue.
- Don't move too quickly or reach for anything. Tell the robber(s) what you are doing.
Keep it Short and Smooth
- The longer the robbery takes the more nervous the robber is.
- The average robbery takes less than 2 minutes.
Don't Resist
- Don't fight.
- Don't use weapons.
- Don't chase the robber(s).
Be Observant
- Observe the person(s) involved for the purpose of describing clothing and physical features.
- Observe the person or persons' means of escape, direction of travel and description of vehicle.
Call Police (9-1-1) After the Robbery is Over
- Stay on the phone until police tell you to hang up.
- Record the suspect(s) description on an "I.D." form or piece of paper.
Protect the Crime Scene
- Don't touch anything. There may be suspect(s) finger prints or other physical evidence crucial to the investigation.
BUSINESS SURVEY
Employee Training
- Do you train employees in crime reduction procedures?
- Do all your employees know how your security equipment functions?
Safe Procedures
- Do you have an above ground safe?
- Is your safe bolted to the floor?
- Is your safe near the register and visible to customers?
Visibility
- Are windows blocked by signs, displays or other materials?
- Is the cashier clearly visible from outside the business?
- Would the robber also be visible from outside?
- Are proper trespassing/loitering/parking signed posted?
Cash Handling Procedures
- Are there drawer limits for cashiers?
- Is a drop safe available?
- Is you change fund secured?
- Do you hide money?
- Do you perform random till checks or cash audits?
Bank Deposits
- Do you use an armored car service?
- Do you have a secure counting room?
- Does your counting room have adequate locks, a phone and a door peephole?
- Do you vary the times of your trips to the bank?
- Do you vary your route to the bank?
- Do you disguise your bank deposit bag?
Lighting
- Do all exterior lights work properly?
- Do all interior lights work properly?
- Are lights turned off or on at appropriate times?
- Is there adequate lighting inside your business?
- Is there adequate lighting outside your business including the side and rear areas?
Security Equipment
- Does your store use video surveillance equipment?
- Does your equipment have a date/time generator?
- Is there a video monitor placed where a potential robber can see it?
- Are your VCR and video tapes secured?
- Have you checked the position of your cameras?
- Do you regularly clean your camera lenses and VCR head?
- Is the resolution on your video system good?
- Do you have a panic alarm?
- Do you have a robbery alarm?
- Can all exterior doors be easily locked?
Miscellaneous
- Is the telephone readily accessible to the cashier?
- Do you report all crimes to police?
- Do you encourage police to visit your store?
- How many times have you been robbed in the last 12 months?
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CONTENTS
PREVENTION MEASURES
IF YOU ARE ROBBED
BUSINESS SURVEY
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