Employees
and employers should remain alert and observant.
Several
things to watch for:
Suspicious persons or
vehicles around the business, especially
at opening and closing time.
People wearing inappropriate
clothing for the weather.
Have
regular safety meetings to develop and discuss
your "plan". Some of the elements of a
good plan include:
Employee demeanor during a
robbery (do not resist)
How to notify the police
An escape route
How to obtain a suspect
description
How to obtain a vehicle
description
Have prearranged signals
between employees
How to activate alarms
When not to activate an
alarm
Physical
Deterrents
Keep the inside of your business well lighted, especially
the entrances and exits.
The cash register should be visible from outside the
store. A clear view to the register from the street or
parking lot assists police officers to see inside as they
patrol the area. If the windows are blocked they can not
see in.
Mark the edge of the main doorway with measuring tape.
This will help in obtaining a more accurate height of the
robber.
Keep cash at a minimum, and post notices in the doorway
of this fact.
Consider the installation of video cameras or alarm
systems.
Bank
Deposit Procedures
Do not advertise that you are carrying the bank deposit.
Avoid wearing name tags or clothing advertising your
business when you are carrying the deposit.
Make deposits during the daylight hours.
Go directly to the bank. Do not make other stops along
the way. Do not take the same route to the bank each time
you go and do not go at the same time each day.
Two
employees should make the deposit
Never
leave a deposit unattended in the vehicle
Keep
doors of the vehicle locked when carrying
deposits
Be
alert to any vehicle that may be following you to
the bank
Conceal
the cash when transferring it from the vehicle to
the bank. Don't carry a money bag in view of
anyone
If
you go to the bank and pick up cash, then follow
these precautions for your return to your
business.
Opening
and Closing Procedures
Two
employees should open and close the business.
Before opening the business, one employee should check
outside areas for possible break-ins. Also look to see
that there are no suspicious persons hanging around.
Garbage dumpsters are prime places where robbers hide,
awaiting your arrival. Also note suspicious vehicles.
When closing, check all areas inside for possible persons
hiding in the business.
Keep a spare key in a prearranged room, in case an
employee is locked inside after a robbery. Keep a phone
hidden for such an emergency.
Do not
admit customers after store hours.
Keep the telephone number of your police department near
the phone.
Be aware that sometimes merchants are followed back to
their businesses or to their homes by robbers. Certain
safety precautions should be followed regarding vehicles
and home safety. Do not always travel the same routes to
and from work. Be observant and check often to see if you
are followed.
Know where police stations and fire stations are in your
area. These locations are places of safety should you
suspect that you are being followed.
Write down the license plate number of any suspicious
vehicles. It is better to throw it away because you don't
need it, than to wish you had it.
