Armed Robbery Awareness

Training is available to businesses, their employees, and individuals in the methods of robbery prevention. Tips and techniques on how to respond to an armed robber and what types of identification information are helpful to the Police Department are discussed in these informative seminars.

Preparedness Tips

Some of the points covered in the presentation are inclusive of, but not limited to, the following:

• "Telegraphing" all movements and don't surprise the robber, even if he/she tells you to do something, let them know what you have to do to accomplish it (i.e. I have to reach down here or over there.)
• Do as you are told! Anxieties are already high at this point, don't aggravate or escalate the situation more than it already is.
• If possible, get a description (as detailed as possible) of the robber(s), vehicle, direction of travel, etc., but only if it does not jeopardize you or others!
• Get a robber out and on his way as soon as possible. This in turn gets you out of "harms way" sooner.
• Don't be overly helpful. As suggested previously, "do as you are told", but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to volunteer more than is stated. (i.e. If the robber says give me your wallet or empty the register in a bag, he may not know or think of other demands.)
• Don't be a hero! Each person will react differently to any given situation and many already have their minds made up as to what they will do or think they will do, (preplanning is a good suggestion) but aggressive resistance and heroism could have tragic results.
• Survival (yours) is the primary concern. Your actions whether compliant, passive, resistant, etc. can play a direct role in how an incident evolves and/or concludes. The foremost factor to consider is your safety and the safety of those around you.

Cash Handling Tips

• The following are some tips that may be useful as preventive measures and/or assist in loss reduction through cash handling procedures:
• Keep a limited amount of cash on hand.
• Make deposits as needed (don't "stockpile" or hold the day's or week's receipts for one large deposit; make several and make them unscheduled.
• Don't let customers see large amounts on hand (count money out of open view).
• Don't discuss quantity or normal amount of business. (How many times has someone asked if business is good or bad today, this week, etc.? Note that not all of them are planning to rob you, but if you or your employees discuss "business" like this on a regular basis, a robber could take note and come to "visit".
• Consider using a "time lock" or "drop" safe if necessary.
• Refrain from making change and cashing checks, this could evolve into a problem for you and/or your business.

This topic can get very detailed, but with discussion, question / answer type presentations combined with continued employee training, your business could better prepare to reduce victimization and loss due to bad checks, credit card abuse / forgery, and shoplifting.