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Robbery Prevention And Safety Tips For Businesses

  • Keep your front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow good, two way visibility. Employees can see suspicious persons outside. Passers-by and police can see inside.
  • Keep the outside of your business well lit at night.
  • Make sure your cash register area is clearly visible to outside observers. Ensure cash register is secured to counter top.
  • Practice good cash control. Keep a minimum amount in your cash drawer and make regular drops into a safe.
  • Advertise outside that you keep a minimal amount of cash in the register and that you will not accept large bills.
  • Don't keep large bills under the cash drawer. If you don't have a safe, find a less obvious place to hide your extra cash until you go to the bank.
  • Use a safe that staff cannot open alone or that requires two keys. Post that fact conspicuously, including on the safe itself.
  • Use video camera surveillance and make it well known.
  • Always have at least two clerks working at night.
  • Vary your banking routine. Carry cash in a variety of ways - a lunch sack, attaché case, flight bag, pocket, etc. (money bags are very obvious)
  • Vary the times and routes that you use to go to the bank.
  • Make deposits as often as possible, never less than once a day.
  • Be alert for "customers" who seem to be loitering or glancing around the store while appearing to shop or browse through a magazine.
  • Watch for suspicious persons outside the business - especially in parked cars and around telephone booths.
  • If you see someone who is acting suspicious inside or outside, call the police to have them checked out.
  • Two persons should be on hand at opening and closing times.
  • Before closing, one person should check the office, back rooms and rest rooms to make sure no one is hiding inside.
  • Keep side and back doors locked. Have employees use the main entrance, if possible.

What to do during a robbery

  • Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.
  • Try to stay calm. Don't make any sudden movements to upset the robber.
  • Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST!
  • Activate your alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly.
  • Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.
  • If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.
  • Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.
  • Don't be a hero. It's better to lose your money than your life.
  • Give the robber time to leave.
  • Note direction of travel of suspect when he leaves.

What to do after a robbery

  • Do not discuss the amount of money taken with anyone other than police.
  • Call the police immediately, even if you have already activated the alarm.
  • Close the store and lock the door(s) if you have a key.
  • Do not discuss the details of the robbery with witnesses or fellow employees.
  • Ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they can't, get their names, phone numbers and addresses.
  • Do not touch anything that the robber may have touched. Block off areas where the robber was, if necessary.
  • Try to recall as much as you can about the robber's appearance, speech and mannerisms. Make notes.
  • Step outside the store when the police arrive so that they'll know the robber is gone and you are safe.
  • Let the police answer inquiries from the news media.


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