1. And Post-Robbery Follow-up
Robbery Prevention
And Post-Robbery Follow-up

2. Presentation Highlights
Prevention Methodologies
Physical Security
Improving operational Procedures
What to do during a robbery
Employee and customer safety
What to look for
Post-robbery follow-up procedures
Securing the business
Preserving physical evidence

3. Robbery and Burglary Defined
Most 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

4. Why the Difference is Important
When speaking with the operator:
Make certain to explain that a robbery has occurred – not a burglary
A burglary usually will not elicit an emergency response from police

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

6. 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 employee’s behavior?

7. Physical Security – “Hardening the Target”
Robbery prevention often involves improving a business’ physical security measures:
Alarm systems & Panic buttons
Time-delay safes
CCTV & surveillance equipment
Security guards and armored couriers
Cash controls and improving other internal processes

8. Alarm Systems & Panic Buttons
Ensure 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

9. Time-Delay Safes
Remember, a safe without a time-delay lock is a robber’s 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

10. Surveillance Equipment
Install 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 they’ll 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

11. Security Barriers & Bullet-Resistant Glass
Barriers 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

12. Security and Armored Couriers
Security 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 met
They 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 courier
It is a good idea to periodically adjust pickup times

13. Controlling Cash
Managers should regularly perform cash pulls or “skims”
Remove excess cash from till and place securely inside safe
If possible, this should be done when customers aren’t around
Between 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 they’ve made that day

14. Opening and Closings
At 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

15. Employee Awareness
Teach 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 alarms
How much cash is kept on the premises
How many employees usually work
Where the safe is located
Pay attention to customers who seem to be examining security equipment or the layout of the business

16. What to do During a Robbery
Safety 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 robber’s demands and do not try to be a hero
The key is to get the robber in and out as quickly as possible

17. 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

18. Pay Close Attention
Try to glean as much information about the robber as possible, but don’t be obvious!
Number of robbers
Racial background
Build, hair color & complexion
Tattoos or scars
Speech patterns
Clothing and weapon type
Vehicle type and direction of travel
Where the robber went when inside
What the robber touched (fingerprints)

19. Help the Police – Protect Physical Evidence
If 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 casings
Robber’s note
Fingerprints
Shoe prints
Hair, blood or any bodily fluids
Anything dropped by the robber

20. What to do After a Robbery
An 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.

21. 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 robber’s direction of travel

22. Post-Robbery Assignments
Provide robbery prevention training, and run employees through drills
A manager or responsible employee should assign post-robbery duties, Team Work:
Someone to lock the doors
Someone to call the police
Someone to move people away from affected areas
Someone to pass around suspect ID forms, and have everyone write police statements

23. Creating a Robbery Prevention Program
Assign 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

24. In Review…
Remember, 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