1. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Ron Hanavan
Deputy Cocha Heyden
Community Relations/Crime Prevention

2. ROBBERY PREVENTION

3. What we are going to learn today..
The realities of robbery
Opening and closing procedures
Proper cash handling system
Physical Security considerations
Prevention checklist
Do’s and Don’ts during an actual robbery

4. Realities of Robbery

5. Robbery-A Dangerous Crime
A robber commits a hold up because he or she believes that their profit will be worth the risk
Decrease the possible profit, on hand, and increase the risk= less victims
Personal safety is an important consideration when planning how to react to an armed robbery
That is why we are here today…..

6. Opening and Closing Procedures
At least two employees present
Do a quick security check of outside entry points
Use prearranged signal to indicate everything checked out okay
At closing, make sure no one is hiding in business
Walk to the parking lot together

7. Proper Cash Protection System
It is a good idea to have training on various possible types of attacks
The system should work by first saving lives and second by protecting the money
Keep cash at a minimum, on hand
If business deals in a lot of cash, have a pick up more then once a day
When opening and closing, cash on hand should be very miminum

8. Proper Cash Protection System
Consider using a money safe that requires more than one employee to open and remove daily receipts
Always lock safes after the day’s opening funds are obtained
Dual Control of safes and two-key inner compartment money safes require at least two people to open door, thus helping to prevent robberies
Try not to open the cash safe to often
Do not maintain more surplus cash in business than is absolutely necessary

9. Etc… Always keep money out of reach and sight of customers
DO NOT count out cash drawers in sight of customers

10. Making Bank Deposits
Try to make bank deposits during daylight hours with more than one person
Vary the route to the bank
Do not make any stops along the way
Vary the time of day the deposit is made
Vary the personnel making the deposit if possible
Disguise the currency bag in another container
Use armed guard if necessary

11. Physical Security Considerations

12. Security Considerations
Physical barriers such as bullet-resistant enclosures between customers and employees provides the greatest protection
Robbers sometimes lock employees in storage rooms. Hide a key inside of that room
Mark the edge of the doorway at varying heights to identify the height of a robber
Think about installing prominent surveillance camera equipment. We recommend having 31 videos, one for each day of month.
Keep side and rear doors and windows closed and locked
Delivery or personnel doors should have peephole or card entry system

13. Robbery Prevention Checklist

14. Make Business Unattractive to Robber
Keep business neat and clean
Keep it well stocked
Get away from sales counter when there are no customers in business

15. Locate Sales Counter in Clear View
Do not block windows with posters or flyers
Remove any displays, after dark that a robber could hide behind
Make sure that you can see out and a passerby’s or the deputies can see in

16. Spot Possible Hiding Places
Notice possible escape routes from the business
After dark, observe lighting and dark corners

17. Keep Alert at All Times Notice what is going on outside the business
Be aware of cars parked across the street or off to one side of the lot
Look for anyone who may be watching the business or hanging around
Call the Sheriff’s Office if they do not leave

18. Good Customer Service Look them in the eye
Ask the customer ahead of someone suspicious “Are you together?”
The customer usually turns around to look at the person, they may be able to identify that person later

19. In The Event of a Robbery

20. Remain Calm Don’t challenge the robber Don’t make any sudden movements
The average robbery takes less than two minutes
Activate the alarm only when the robber leaves the building

21. Obey the Robbers Orders
Robbers seldom hurt cooperative people
Give the robber only what is asked for, do not give him anymore
If you do not have what he asks for, politely explain
Follow the robber’s instructions exactly
Keep calm and observe what the robber looks like, and what he is wearing
Try to remember what he says
Try to remember what type of weapon, is robber has one

22. Announce Possible Surprises
If you must reach for something, or move in any way, tell the robber first
If someone is in the back room, or is expected in the business, tell the robber

23. Once the Robber Has Left
If possible, watch him leave the premises
Look for direction of travel from the business
Look for a vehicle, color, make and model, and license number
DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT CHASE AFTER THE ROBBER

24. DON’T DO THIS… DON’T ARGUE WITH THE ROBBER DON’T FIGHT THE ROBBER
DON’T USE WEAPONS
DON’T CHASE ROBBER, IT INVITES VIOLENCE
DON’T ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF LOSS-DON’T GUESS

25. CALL THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE..
Dial 911, and don’t hang up until they tell you to do so
Tell dispatchers is medical is needed
Protect the scene by locking front door. Discontinue business until deputies are finished
DO NOT TOUCH ANY EVIDENCE
Call any necessary supervisors
Separate witnesses, do not let them discuss what has happened
Complete any necessary forms

26. QUESTIONS