Robbery is a crime "against the person" and a frightening experience. It can result in injury or even death to the victim and it is important to remember, in protecting your business from robbery, to take preventive measures and make it obvious that extra measures have been taken.

Here are some ways to discourage robbery

• Lock unused doors.
• Avoid working alone. If you must, turn on a hidden radio or TV so robbers will think that there is someone with you.
• Vary the schedules and route for your bank deposits each day, and only keep necessary cash in the drawer. Then if you are robbed, you'll reduce your losses.
• Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers by. Arrange the counter so that the customer or robber is visible from the street.
• Avoid placing signs or displays near windows, which block visibility from the street.
• Display signs at entrances and exits indicating that safes require secondary keys, which are not in the possession of employees.
• Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations.
• Develop a mutual aid system among stores on your block. Agree to keep an eye on each other's buildings and watch for any suspicious activities.

If a robbery should happen

• Someone points a gun at you and demands your money. What do you do? GIVE IT TO THEM. Never refuse a robber.
• If you have a silent alarm and can reach it unnoticed, use it. Otherwise, wait until the robber leaves. Be sure to use your alarm with care, excessive false alarms can cause problems for law enforcement.
• If possible, signal other employees. Have a prearranged signal for such emergencies. Again, if the robber will see you, avoid sudden moves. Many robbers are just as nervous as you are.
• The most important thing to do if you are robbed is: OBSERVE.
  

After a robbery

• Call the police immediately, don't waste a minute.
• Write down everything you can remember about the robber and the crime itself: the robber's appearance, height, weight, color of hair and eyes, scars, tattoos, accent, clothing, weapon and anything unusual.
• Try to remember the robber's exact words and try to observe any vehicle the robber uses to get away.
• Keep everyone away from surfaces the robber may have touched.
• Cooperate fully with the police and prosecutors. Your help is crucial in solving each case and ultimately obtaining a conviction.