Create a master plan and practice with employees.

·         Call the police at once if you notice suspicious strangers loitering near or in your place of business.

·         Never block the view into your store by crowding display windows. It is important to maintain visibility into your business establishment at all times.

·         Secure your teller and cashier operations. Install barriers to keep unauthorized persons out of these areas.

·         If practical, mark doorways at varying heights to allow proper identification of robber's height.

·         Install a holdup alarm system.

·         Install a timed delay switch to turn off exterior lights after your employees have gone for the night.

·         Use two people to open and close your business. Establish a system of prearranged signals. One person should stay outside until the other gives the all clear signal.

·         Keep cash on the premises to a minimum. Make frequent pickups of money from registers and make regular bank deposits.

·         Do not establish a habitual routine when making bank deposits. Robbers will soon learn it.

·         Keep the safe in your place of business locked at all times.

·         Check the references of job applicants before you hire them.

·         In the event you are contacted about an emergency at your business, and the call is of questionable validity, please verify the call with the police dispatcher, before going to your business.

·         Have frequent meetings with your employees in order to familiarize them with holdup prevention measures which you have initiated.

·         Hold practice sessions and go over different robbery scenarios. Get your local law enforcement to come in and help go through these steps. Most police departments we have worked with have been outstanding in performing pro-active assistance.

·         If appropriate, get your employees trained on self-defense techniques that do not involve firearms. Martial Arts training is always a great investment, but there are simple steps everyone can take that do not take the years of dedication. Less than lethal means of defense can save lives while limiting liability.

·         If your employees have training and CCW permits, practice and go over procedures. We have had some employers pay for all employees to get their CCW permits and practice on a regular basis.  These companies have had to take these steps after robberies and hostage situations had occurred.

·         Practicing “Situationally Aware” scenarios will help if lethal or non-lethal means of defense are used. Training employees to watch for suspicious behavior and  allow for preemptive action before the robbers have an opportunity to even start the crime. 

If You Are Held Up:

·         Remain calm.

·         Do not resist, unless you feel that your life is in danger.

·         Be identification conscious. Observe the holdup suspect carefully for future identification.

·         Try to get a license plate if possible.

·         Report the robbery immediately-dial 911 and don't hang up. Look for an opportunity to dial 911 before the robbery gets violent, or your “Situationally Aware” employees recognize the symptoms of a potentially violent situation.

·         If possible, protect the crime scene: do not let anyone disturb it. Wait for police.

·         Cooperate with police. By doing as they request you will help solve the crime.

·         Reduce Criminal Opportunity by practicing the company security policies.

*These are just suggestions – The key is to discuss potential plans with the company attorney, and verify with your local law enforcement.

Clark – Carryconcealed.net