Robbery PreventionAnd Post-Robbery Follow-up

Presentation HighlightsPrevention MethodologiesPhysical SecurityImproving operational ProceduresWhat to do during a robberyEmployee and customer safetyWhat to look forPost-robbery follow-up proceduresSecuring the businessPreserving physical evidence

Robbery and Burglary DefinedMost states define robbery as taking something from someone by using force or threat of force

Robbery is a violent crime

Burglary is often defined as entering a structure to commit a felony or a theft

Burglary is a property crime

Why the Difference is ImportantWhen speaking with the 9-1-1 operator:

Make certain to explain that a robbery has occurred not a burglary

A burglary usually will not elicit an emergency response from police

Robbery Prevention MethodsThe overall reason is to make businesses much more difficult targets by:Improving physical securityIncreasing store visibility and the amount of lightingAdvertising that your business uses time-delay safes, CCTV recording, armored couriers, security, etc.Reducing on-hand cash and other valuable itemsCreating employee awareness and training programs

Is there an Internal Connection?A large number of robberies are inside jobs

Employers should perform careful background checks prior to hiring

Do any employees have drug or alcohol problems?

Has there been an observable change in a particular employees behavior?

Physical Security Hardening the TargetRobbery prevention often involves improving a business physical security measures:

Alarm systems & Panic buttonsTime-delay safesCCTV & surveillance equipmentSecurity guards and armored couriersCash controls and improving other internal processes

Alarm Systems & Panic ButtonsEnsure that key personnel are familiar with the alarm systems operation

If your system is equipped with panic buttons, make certain that employees know their locations and how to work them

Place a panic button near the safe

During a robbery, the panic buttons should be activated only if it is safe:

Robbers often force employees to step away from registers, walls and counters

Even if a panic buttons is activated, it is still necessary to dial 9-1-1

After a panic button has been activated, a manager should make certain that the alarm system has rest contact the alarm company

Time-Delay SafesRemember, a safe without a time-delay lock is a robbers target

For employee safety, ensure that there is adequate warning signs and stickers throughout the premises

Reduce exposure to injury, time-delay safes should be kept in public areas, not offices or backrooms

A robber has less witnesses and more time if the safe is in the back

The managers input their code if a robber insists that the time-delay safe be opened

Surveillance EquipmentInstall public-view monitors at the entrance robbers will see their image as they enter your business

A camera should be placed directly over or near the cash safe

Sometimes robbers will demand the tape, CD or theyll take the entire recording device, so it is a good idea to keep a dummy system in plain view

If a robber demands the tape or CD, provide him with a blank from the dummy system

The system should be maintained, so that video is always available for the police

Security Barriers & Bullet-Resistant GlassBarriers and bullet-proof glass are a great way to protect employees

Employees must be disciplined and ensure the enclosures are always kept locked

However, if a robber takes a customer or employee hostage, the employee inside should immediately open the cage

Security and Armored CouriersSecurity guards often help employees to feel more secure, but it is important to remember that many have poor training

Check to ensure that appropriate levels of training have been metThey should be posted in highly visible locations

Armored Couriers are the safest way to ensure that deposits get to the bank

Managers should have deposits ready so that they do not delay courierIt is a good idea to periodically adjust pickup times

Controlling CashManagers should regularly perform cash pulls or skims

Remove excess cash from till and place securely inside safeIf possible, this should be done when customers arent aroundBetween pulls, place larger bills beneath the till

Employees should not flash money, or keep their tills open

Employees must not discuss money or how many sales theyve made that day

Opening and ClosingsAt least two employees should open or close a business

At opening, prior to exiting their vehicles, employees should drive around building to check for suspicious people or signs of forced entry

Just prior to closing, employees should check business to ensure all customers have left

Employees should check outside before exiting, but one should remain locked inside until the other gives the all clear signal

Employee AwarenessTeach employees to become aware of their surroundings

Could there be an internal connection?

Make note of customers that ask probing or unusual questions:Whether the business has cameras and alarmsHow much cash is kept on the premisesHow many employees usually workWhere the safe is located

Pay attention to customers who seem to be examining security equipment or the layout of the business

What to do During a RobberySafety first, remain calm and do not resist or attempt to apprehend the robber

Do not make any sudden movements, and inform the robber of any surprises someone about to return

Follow the robbers demands and do not try to be a hero

The key is to get the robber in and out as quickly as possible

What to do During a Robbery Cont.Be certain to provide the robber with any marked bills or police tracking devices

Move cautiously but quickly, do not delay the robber as this may agitate him

Once the robbery is complete, do not wait for the robber to beat someone or tie them up; tell everyone to lie down on the ground and allow him to leave

Pay Close AttentionTry to glean as much information about the robber as possible, but dont be obvious!

Number of robbersRacial backgroundBuild, hair color & complexionTattoos or scarsSpeech patternsClothing and weapon typeVehicle type and direction of travelWhere the robber went when insideWhat the robber touched (fingerprints)

Help the Police Protect Physical EvidenceIf possible, leave everything as the robber left it

Do not touch anything, move everyone away from areas where the robber went

Things to pay close attention to:

Any shell casingsRobbers noteFingerprintsShoe printsHair, blood or any bodily fluidsAnything dropped by the robber

What to do After a RobberyAn employee should immediately lock the front doors, this keeps the robber from re-entering

Immediately dial 9-1-1, even if a panic button was activated:

Ask customers to remain until police arrive, if not, attempt to get contact info.

Have everyone immediately complete a witness ID form, and a written statement for police

Secure the surveillance video for the police.

What to say to the Police Operator:Inform the operator that your were just robbed

Remain clam and speak clearly

Provide the business address

State whether there were any injuries, and if weapons were used

Provide any suspect descriptions

Get away vehicle and the robbers direction of travel

Post-Robbery AssignmentsProvide robbery prevention training, and run employees through drills

A manager or responsible employee should assign post-robbery duties, Team Work:Someone to lock the doorsSomeone to call the policeSomeone to move people away from affected areasSomeone to pass around suspect ID forms, and have everyone write police statements

Creating a Robbery Prevention ProgramAssign a project leader

Examine your business physical security measures, are they adequate?

Budget resources for the devices that are needed most.

Examine internal processes to reduce exposure

As a result of this examination, improved policy & procedures should be written

Create a training program that outlines specific post-robbery duties, and ensures that all employees are adequately trained with all aspects of robbery prevention

In ReviewRemember, prevention is about reducing the likelihood of robbery

Safety is the first and foremost concern

Well-trained employees will ensure safety and help the police apprehend the suspects

Create training programs and rehearse how to handle a robbery