Armed Robbery Prevention and Safety


 

To reduce or minimize the risk of your becoming a victim of Armed Robbery, there are some basic steps you can take. 

Before a robbery:

  • Teach and Practice, Practice and Teach (Train to be alert to your surroundings; a good witnesses and involved citizen)
  • Evidence Collection Equipment (Cameras, Smooth surfaces, Height Tape)
  • Have Policy and Procedures (Closing, Money handling, passive, hiring and firing)

During a robbery:

  • Assure the Criminal that you will give them what they want
  • Announce your actions and movements
  • Have a plan
  • Be good witness and be passive
  • Survive

7 Steps After a robbery:

  1. Lock the doors
  2. Sound the alarm/911
  3. Verify all employees are safe
  4. Preserve the crime scene
  5. Ask customers to stay
  6. Fill out suspect ID sheet
  7. Pat yourself on the back - you survived

Reporting a robbery has occurred:

    • Give your location
    • Stay calm
    • Be specific (where, what, who, give details)
    • Stay on the phone

Remember that:

You may be telling us something that we are not aware of or you may be giving us the information that we need to investigate and possibly make an arrest. Suspicious Activity is an event taking place out of the ordinary which could lead to a crime or be a crime in progress.

Protective Measures to prevent robbery:

  • Limit access to work areas
  • Have alternate staff exits
  • Know how to report problems
  • Report threatening and suspicious activity to police
  • Electronic access control.
  • Silent alarms.
  • Metal detectors.
  • Video cameras.
  • Have Security Surveys done
  • Improve Lighting and Visibility

Summary

  • Have the police became familiar with your facility.
  • Practice good crime prevention.
  • Be “law enforcement friendly”.
  • Utilize local associations to keep abreast of current trends.
  • Receive FREE Crime Prevention Training from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 576-3033.
5623 Two Notch Road 
Columbia, South Carolina 29223 
(803) 576-3000 phone (803) 576-3195 fax
sheriff@rcsd.net

Copyright © 2006 Richland County Sheriff's Department