During A Robbery
Remain Calm, Do Not Resist
- Do not try to be a hero. Take no action that would jeopardize your own safety.
- Follow the robber's directions, but do not volunteer more than he asks for.
- Advise the robber of any unusual moves you must make. Assure him you will cooperate.
- If the robber used a hold-up note, try to retain it, and handle it as little as possible.
- If possible, activate the alarm only if you can do so safely without detection.
- Attempt to alert other employees by use of prearranged signals, but only if safe to do so.
Make Mental Notes
- Make a mental note of the robber's race, age, height, sex, clothing, complexion, color of hair and eyes, etc. Note anything unusual about the robber, such as scars or tattoos.
- Note the number of accomplices and how they left the premises, direction of travel, type and color of the car, and license plate number.
- Note type, size and color of the weapon.
- Watch where the robber puts his or her hands or whether he or she touches anything. Fingerprints might be left behind.
After The Robbery
- Call the police immediately after the robbery. The person who calls the police should be able to stay on the phone if the dispatcher requests that he/she do so.
- Lock all doors and ask all witnesses to remain until the officers arrive. If a witness must leave, obtain his or her name and address.
- All witnesses should write down a description of all the suspects. Do not discuss the robbery or compare notes about the robber's appearance with anyone.
- Protect the crime scene. Do not touch anything.
- If you were given a note by the robber, handle it carefully. Hold it by the edges so that fingerprints that may be on the paper will not be smeared. Put it in a safe place and keep it for the police. This is an important piece of evidence.
Be Prepared
- Actively participate in all training sessions offered to become thoroughly familiar with company policies and procedures.
- Have a plan.
- Mentally review as often as possible the actions you take if confronted with an emergency so that it becomes "second nature" to you.