And Post-Robbery Follow-up Robbery Prevention And Post-Robbery Follow-up

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

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

Why the Difference is Important When 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 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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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)

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

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.

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

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

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

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