An armed robbery is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous crimes that occur in our City today. Criminals will target a business premises such as a financial institution or variety store, when they believe the profit outweighs their risk of apprehension. By decreasing the possible profit and increasing the risk of apprehension, potential victims can greatly reduce their chance of becoming a target of a robbery.
Robberies are often crimes of opportunity, and a few steps towards prevention can help make your business establishment less of a target..
There is often great confusion amongst victims and witnesses after a robbery occurs. In a business environment it is important to ensure that employees have specific tasks assigned to them, should a robbery occur. It should be decided in advance:
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which employee will call 911,
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who is to lock the doors,
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who is to obtain suspect details, and so forth.
Do not assume these jobs will be done automatically.
Best Practices
A quantity of marked or ‘bait money’ should be kept in the register. Record the denomination, serial number and the year of several tens or twenties on a piece of paper kept separate from the till. Try to include this in the money given to a robber. Bait money may assist the police in solving the case.
Do not keep large amounts of money on hand. Transfer the money from the register to a safe or bank frequently. A full cash register is an open invitation to armed robbers.
Consider installing a hold-up alarm or surveillance camera. This may deter a robbery and prove cost effective when compared to the financial loss or possible injuries that may result from being robbed.
Keep the register/customer service counter at the front of the store near a window that is not cluttered with signs or displays. Keeping windows clear of these obstructions allows police and passers-by a clear view into your store. Anything that can be done to give a potential robber the perception that they may be seen can be a significant deterrent.
Make a note or call police if you see suspicious persons watching or hanging around your store as they may be ‘casing’ it for a robbery. Information you provide may link up with existing police information on a similar suspect. Ask for a police officer to stop by your store. Should the suspect or vehicle leave, try to note the licence number and description of vehicles/persons for police. Report this information to the officer or dispatcher when you call.
For anyone wanting more information on Robbery Prevention, they are encouraged to call:
Hamilton Police Service
Crime Prevention Branch
905.546.4900