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Preventing Business Robberies

robberies

by Officer John Thomas

 

One of the scariest possibilities for a business is being robbed. You could be injured or even killed during a robbery. The possibilities are scary but there is good news; you can reduce your chances of being robbed.

 

There is a difference between a “robbery” and a “burglary”. A robbery is when a person enters your business and through the threat of injury takes money or merchandise. A burglary is when a person enters your business and takes merchandise or money and leaves without the threat of harm. People often mistakenly refer to burglaries as “being robbed”.

 

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:

  • Have good visibility into your business from outside. Keep front windows clear. Place the cash register where you can see inside and in front of your store.
  • Have good lighting both inside and out. Minimize potential hiding places.
  • Use a fully functional video camera system. A good video is very helpful in catching the criminal.
  • Keep minimal cash on site. Only have enough in the drawer to make change. Make drops frequently into a safe.
  • Vary your deposit times and have 2 employees make deposits if possible. Conceal the deposit bag in another bag or container.
  • When changing shifts, have employees count drawers out of sight of customers. If necessary, close the business briefly while changing shifts.
  • If you have an alarm, post a warning near the entrance to your business.
  • Greet customers promptly upon entering your business. Make eye contact with them. This enhances your customer service while making it clear to a potential robber that you are paying attention.
  • During opening and closing have employees check the business for people hiding inside.
  • Keep your business clean and tidy. This shows you pay attention to detail. Your employees should have a well dressed and professional appearance.
  • Have a place for employees to keep their personal items out of sight of customers.
  • Have a suspect description guide available for employees to use in the case of a robbery.
  • If employees must exit the rear of the business to empty trash, make sure they have a way to see outside before unlocking the door.
  • If possible, have a back room with a door that can be locked from the inside. Have a telephone inside the room an employee can use to call 911.

 

Despite your best efforts, you might still be robbed. Here’s what you should do in the event of a robbery:

 

  • First, cooperate with the robber. It’s not worth risking your life to protect cash or merchandise.
  • If a firearm is used always assume it is real and it is loaded.
  • Don’t try to be a hero, nothing is worth losing your life.
  • Do not do anything to make the robber feel threatened. Remain calm, speak clearly, and keep your hands in the open.
  • If you have a silent panic alarm use it if you can safely do so.
  • Take note of the suspect’s description.
  • If they use a vehicle, try to get a description including type of vehicle, color, number of doors, license plate number, and description of driver if there is a getaway driver.
  • If you choose to have a weapon for personal protection, know how to use it. Only use a weapon as a last resort to protect your life or that of another person.
  • Call 911 as soon as it is safe.
  • Write down as much information as you can to give to the police.
  • Once the robber has left and it is safe, close the store until the police arrive. If there are other witnesses, ask them to remain until the police take their statement.
  • Do not disturb the scene, keep things the way they are until the police advise you it is OK to clean up or resume business.

 

The Temecula Police Department Crime Prevention unit offers free business security surveys. We will visit your business and evaluate your security measures. We will make suggestions on how to improve your security through physical changes to your business or changes to company policies and procedures. If you would like to take advantage of this service, call Officer Thomas at (951) 506-5132.

 

Community Service Officer John Thomas is a long-time resident of Temecula and is a Crime Prevention Officer with the Temecula Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. He can be reached at (951) 506-5132.