Commercial Robbery

Commercial robbery is a frightening and potentially dangerous situation. These types of crimes can make a victim of the business, its employees, and even its customers. Always keep in mind, your money and property can be replaced but you cannot -- is it really worth your life?

Prevention Strategies: Unlike property crimes such as burglary, you can't prevent a robbery merely by locking up your valuables. But you can dissuade potential robbers by minimizing temptation and maximizing the chance of being caught. Develop policies for prevention and what to do in the event of a robbery and its aftermath. Ensure employees are familiar with the policies and abide by them.

Greet customers as the enter your business.
Have written policies on opening and closing procedures then abide by them.
Post signs that your business keeps a limited amount of money in registers.
Lock back and side doors to prevent surreptitious entry. Panic bar style locks will allow for exit during emergencies while preventing unauthorized entry.
Do not clutter front window so to prevent passersby looking in especially the cash register area. Robbers are less likely to strike if they can be easily seen while committing the crime.
Conspicuously display security alarm signs.
Alert law enforcement immediately of suspicious people on or around your business.

What if a robbery happens: Even with every precaution, your business may at some time be the victim of a robbery. What you do during a robbery can affect your safety and the chances of catching the criminal committing the robbery.

If the robber claims to have a weapon, believe him and if the robber displays a weapon, believe it's real!
Cooperate with the robber's demands and don't argue.
Tell the robber of any moves you must make to comply before moving - No Overt Moves.
Be observant - be a good witness. (do not put yourself in peril in order to observe)

It's over, what now?: After the robbery has occurred there are several things you can do to help law enforcement solve the crime. Your actions after the robbery are as important as those taken to prevent it and those during the event.

Lock the doors, secure the area and call 9-1-1 immediately. Stop all regular business transactions.
Preserve the crime scene from contamination. You wouldn't want to wipe away a latent fingerprint that might solve the crime.
Ask any witnesses to remain on scene for law enforcement to interview and encourage them not to discuss the event among themselves. Try to get the name and contact information for any witnesses who cannot remain at the scene.
Write down what you recall and have other witnesses do the same.

You can use the Tampa Police Department's Suspect Identification Chart to help write down suspect descriptions and use the back for any details.

Robbery Do's and Don'ts

Don't Panic, remain calm!
Don't resist.
Don't try to apprehend the robber.
Do activate your silent alarm when it's safe.
Do use bait money or dye packs if available.