Hold-up Prevention

Management

The majority of armed robberies are not well planned. Offenders are rarely rational or in control. Your response should appear to co-operate with the offender and always do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST AN ARMED ROBBERY EVER!

You can reduce the threat with better cash handling procedures

Use a time delayed or time locked cash drop facility and publicise this with signs.

Limit the amount of cash kept on the premises and/or in the till.

Use a time locked a main safe with a cash drop facility.

Never keep coin and cash in the same safe.

NEVER EVER BRING THE KEY FOR THE MAIN SAFE HOME.

A safe under timelock can't be opened until the time has elapsed anyway so the key is useless. A potential armed raider however may not know this.

Leaving Premises and Banking Takings

Avoid strict routines.

Vary times and routines when transporting cash.

Keep entries/ exits clear of obstructions.

Use a cash pick up company if possible.

Layout of Premises

An open uncluttered environment providing a clear, well lit view of the sales area from the outside is a deterrent to armed robbers. Secure rear doors/windows and ensure all areas are well lit. Mirrors or CCTV will allow staff to monitor obscured floor space.

Security Equipment Closed Circuit TV:

CCTV is low cost compared to it's benefits. Use it and display signs promoting it's existence.

This may not only deter potential offenders, but will assist in identifying an offender.

Consult an expert in relation to correct positioning and lighting requirements.

Sensors/Photo Electric Beams: Electronic sensors/alarms alert staff that customers are entering or leaving the premises. Consider electronic doors if conducting business at night. This could mean adding a manual switch to entrance doors to control access, rather than automatic access at night.

Signs/Stickers: Should be concise, clearly displayed and advertise security equipment & measures being used, e.g..: "Video Surveillance" "Minimal Cash Kept On Premises" "Time Delay Safe Installed" Consider height stickers on your doorways.

Staff

All staff should be trained on hold-up procedures and security equipment activation. Ensure keys are accounted for and returned. Personal name tags should not contain surnames.

Stay Safe

Remember:

In a robbery do exactly what you are told. Tell the robber exactly what you are doing. Do not make any sudden unexpected movements.

Be aware of where the offender went and what was touched. Secure it and don't touch it yourself.

Activate the alarm and call police when it is safe to do so.

Action Following an Armed Hold Up

Raise the alarm and call the police. Close premises and place a notice on the door:

Ask witnesses to remain inside or (take names and addresses if they wish to leave).

Avoid contaminating the crime scene. Do not touch anything the offender may have handled.

Call a relative and advise them that you are safe.

For larger organisations refer all media enquiries to the Public Relations Officer.