Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Ron Hanavan

Deputy Cocha Heyden

Community Relations/Crime Prevention

303-660-7544

ROBBERY PREVENTION

What we are going to learn today..

The realities of robbery Opening and closing procedures Proper cash handling system Physical Security considerations Prevention checklist Do’s and Don’ts during an actual robbery

Realities of Robbery

Robbery-A Dangerous Crime

A robber commits a hold up because he or she believes that their profit will be worth the risk

Decrease the possible profit, on hand, and increase the risk= less victims

Personal safety is an important consideration when planning how to react to an armed robbery

That is why we are here today…..

Opening and Closing Procedures

At least two employees present Do a quick security check of

outside entry points Use prearranged signal to indicate

everything checked out okay At closing, make sure no one is

hiding in business Walk to the parking lot together

Proper Cash Protection System

It is a good idea to have training on various possible types of attacks

The system should work by first saving lives and second by protecting the money

Keep cash at a minimum, on hand If business deals in a lot of cash,

have a pick up more then once a day

When opening and closing, cash on hand should be very miminum

Proper Cash Protection System

Consider using a money safe that requires more than one employee to open and remove daily receipts

Always lock safes after the day’s opening funds are obtained

Dual Control of safes and two-key inner compartment money safes require at least two people to open door, thus helping to prevent robberies

Try not to open the cash safe to often Do not maintain more surplus cash in business than is

absolutely necessary

Etc…

Always keep money out of reach and sight of customers

DO NOT count out cash drawers in sight of customers

Making Bank Deposits

Try to make bank deposits during daylight hours with more than one person

Vary the route to the bank Do not make any stops along

the way Vary the time of day the

deposit is made Vary the personnel making the

deposit if possible Disguise the currency bag in

another container Use armed guard if necessary

Physical Security Considerations

Security Considerations

Physical barriers such as bullet-resistant enclosures between customers and employees provides the greatest protection

Robbers sometimes lock employees in storage rooms. Hide a key inside of that room

Mark the edge of the doorway at varying heights to identify the height of a robber

Think about installing prominent surveillance camera equipment. We recommend having 31 videos, one for each day of month.

Keep side and rear doors and windows closed and locked Delivery or personnel doors should have peephole or card entry

system

Robbery Prevention Checklist

Make Business Unattractive to Robber

Keep business neat and clean

Keep it well stockedGet away from sales

counter when there are no customers in business

Locate Sales Counter in Clear View

Do not block windows with posters or flyers

Remove any displays, after dark that a robber could hide behind

Make sure that you can see out and a passerby’s or the deputies can see in

Spot Possible Hiding Places

Notice possible escape routes from the business

After dark, observe lighting and dark corners

Keep Alert at All Times

Notice what is going on outside the business

Be aware of cars parked across the street or off to one side of the lot

Look for anyone who may be watching the business or hanging around

Call the Sheriff’s Office if they do not leave

Good Customer Service

Look them in the eye Ask the customer ahead of

someone suspicious “Are you together?”

The customer usually turns around to look at the person, they may be able to identify that person later

In The Event of a Robbery

Remain Calm

Don’t challenge the robber Don’t make any sudden

movements The average robbery takes

less than two minutes Activate the alarm only when

the robber leaves the building

Obey the Robbers Orders

• Robbers seldom hurt cooperative people• Give the robber only what is asked for, do

not give him anymore• If you do not have what he asks for,

politely explain• Follow the robber’s instructions exactly• Keep calm and observe what the robber

looks like, and what he is wearing• Try to remember what he says• Try to remember what type of weapon, is

robber has one

Announce Possible Surprises

If you must reach for something, or move in any way, tell the robber first

If someone is in the back room, or is expected in the business, tell the robber

Once the Robber Has Left

If possible, watch him leave the premises

Look for direction of travel from the business

Look for a vehicle, color, make and model, and license number

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT CHASE AFTER THE ROBBER

DON’T DO THIS…

DON’T ARGUE WITH THE ROBBER

DON’T FIGHT THE ROBBER

DON’T USE WEAPONS DON’T CHASE ROBBER, IT

INVITES VIOLENCE DON’T ESTIMATE THE

AMOUNT OF LOSS-DON’T GUESS

CALL THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE..

Dial 911, and don’t hang up until they tell you to do so

Tell dispatchers is medical is needed Protect the scene by locking front door.

Discontinue business until deputies are finished

DO NOT TOUCH ANY EVIDENCE Call any necessary supervisors Separate witnesses, do not let them

discuss what has happened Complete any necessary forms

QUESTIONS