Robbery Policies and Procedures For Shop Owners

Robbery Policy and Procedures — A Risk Assessment

The recent alert sent out by NCIC showed graphic photos of the recent armed robbery of Fort Worth Coin Company in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident illustrates the risk of operating a brick and mortar business. It is imperative that shop owners have robbery policy and procedures in place to reduce the risk of violence against employees and customers.

The attached document developed by NCIC provides shop owners with a basic armed robbery policy and procedure. However, this is only one component of an overall risk assessment of business operations that should be updated and reviewed with employees periodically.

To reduce the risk of armed robbery employers should also review and evaluate other operational issues which include; opening and closing procedures, cash control, physical security/device measures and identifying suspicious persons/activity.

ROBBERY POLICY and PROCEDURES
(EXAMPLE)

An armed robbery is a serious crime that could have a significant impact on the health, safety, and welfare of you, your staff and customers. It is therefore important for your business to have security and armed robbery procedures in place and for all staff to be familiar with them.

It is important to remember two things:

1. Robbers want one thing — your money or property — and they want it quickly.
2. Robbery is a risky business and robbers are usually nervous. You do not want to delay a robbery in any way and increase the potential for violence. Give the robber what he or she wants and do it quickly. Do not risk your life or another person’s life, for property.

Develop a checklist for employee responsibilities after an incident. Identify who will call the police, secure evidence, lock the doors, and advise employees not to share the experience with co-workers or customers so they can provide an independent account of the event during the Robbery

• Be a good witness. Stay calm, alert, and aware of your surroundings. If possible, write down everything you remember. The more accurate the description, the more chance the police have to apprehend the criminal. Pay attention to the type and color of clothing, unique characteristics such as scars, tattoos, birthmarks, and mannerisms. Note the direction of travel in which the robbers fled. If they flee in a vehicle, be aware of the type and color and if possible, the license plate number.
• Always consider the individual armed and dangerous as well as possibly being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Give the robber exactly what he/she wants. A robber will rarely hurt you unless you resist or provoke them.
• The object is to get the robber out of your place of business as soon as possible.
• Don’t fight or chase the robber. Nothing is worth your life.
• Always tell the robber about surprises. They may resort to violence should they be startled.
• Let the robber make the first move. Keep your hands in plain sight. Never make sudden or unexpected movements. Never argue or play games with the individual(s).
• If you can’t or don’t know how to comply with their command, give the robber a clear and convincing reason. (Ex. “I don’t have the combination to the safe.”)

Remember: Money and material items can always be replaced. Your health and safety cannot!

After the Robbery

• As soon as the robber leaves lock the doors immediately. Make sure you have an employee assigned to lock the doors, call 911, tell the call taker of the situation and any injuries. Do not go outside until asked by the operator to meet with the police.
• When you call 911, never hang up the phone until you are instructed to do so by the operator.
• Do not touch anything the robber/robbers may have touched.

Do not discuss what happened with any other witnesses. Until you have talked with authorities.

The Numismatic Crime Information is providing this information as a basic guide in developing policy and procedures in the event of a robbery and should be reviewed on an annual basis as part of an overall business risk assessment and analysis.

I hope the information provided will assist you in the development of an overall security plan for your business.