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Business Robberies - How to protect yourself... By Officer Durbin Lloren City of Madera Police Department Crime Prevention Unit Although all businesses can be the victim of a robbery, they are not all at the same risk. Convenience stores, service stations, liquor stores, jewelry stores, and supermarkets may be at a greater risk of being robbed. Because these businesses are often open late, have limited staff, or sell valuable merchandise they are desirable targets for robbers. A robbery happens because there is an opportunity. What is it about a business that presents the robber with the opportunity? Late Hours - If a business is open late there is a wider range of time in which it could be robbed.
- Late at night there are fewer people around, so a robber has less chance of being identified or caught.
One Clerk - Businesses with only one clerk are at a greater risk for robbery, especially at night.
Cash or Valuable Merchandise - The most desirable target for a robber is cash.
- A business with large amounts of cash around is a desirable target.
- If the business sells products that are valuable and can easily be resold then they are also a likely target.
Prevention - Make sure the store is well lit, especially the entrances and cash register.
- From the cash register, you should be able to see all areas of the store, as well as outside to the parking lot or street. This allows surveillance of customers and potential robbers.
- Placing the cash register on a raised platform increases the visibility.
- If there are blind spots in the store use mirrors to increase visibility.
- The view through the front windows should not be obstructed with advertisements and posters.
Access - Try to limit physical access to the cash register and employees. This could be as simple as a lockable door or gate to get behind a counter.
- Lock all side and back entrances.
- If there is a back storage room or office, keep the doors locked.
- High risk locations might use bullet-resistant glass enclosures.
- Use a drop safe to deposit large bills so they are not in the cash register.
- Some stores may keep the door locked at all times, and have an electronic buzzer to open the door for customers.
Routine - Take greater precautions during opening and closing when businesses are more vulnerable.
- Do not make cash handling or bank deposits part of a routine.
- Do not open the business before or after regular business hours.
- Greet all customers -- this reduces their anonymity and lets potential robbers know you are paying attention.
- Watch for suspicious customers. Robbers often 'shop' until all other customers are gone.
- Encourage non-cash transactions. If customers use credit, there is less cash around.
- Some stores may keep the door locked at all times and have an electronic buzzer to open the door for customers.
The above are suggestions that were taken from a website that has some valuable information on it, if you need more, log on to http://crimeprevention.rutgers.edu Questions about Crime Prevention??? Crime Prevention Officer, Durbin Lloren, wants to hear from you… Do you have a specific question or issue relating to Crime Prevention that you’d like the answer to? Officer Lloren will try to get the answer! Call the Chamber Office at (559) 673-3563 or email cmindt@maderachamber.com, your information will be forwarded to Officer Lloren
Business Security Assessments The Crime Prevention Division of the Madera Police Department wants to help make your business a safer place for you, your employees, and your customers. They offer a free Security Assessment of your business; this program is at no cost to you, and may give you valuable information to protect your business and have the potential of reducing your insurance premiums (please check with your policy holder). You may download the SECURITY ASSESSMENT REQUEST FORM or stop by the Chamber office for a hard copy. |
