Alan Townsend, crime prevention advisor to the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, has prepared a booklet detailing practical steps that can be taken by retail staff to reduce the risk of robbery.
Be alert
• Be aware of people hanging around
• Be suspicious of people in vehicles watching the premises
• Report anything suspicious
Dangers of habit
• Consider an opening-up procedure that needs two members of staff
• Consider staggering meal times so you have more staff on duty
• Don’t admit after-hours callers
Cash handling
• Keep cash in tills to a minimum
• Avoid unnecessary display of cash – count it out of sight
• Keep a package of ‘bait’ money with recorded serial numbers
During a robbery
• Don’t take risks
• Avoid sudden movements
• Avoid confrontational eye contact with the raider
• Give the raiders what they want and get them out
• If you have a hold-up alarm installed, activate it, but only if it is safe to do so
• Remember, cash and goods can be replaced
Reduce the loss
• If ordered to fill a bag with money, the small notes should be put in first
• Stuff the money into the bag, this way less will go in
After a robbery
• Secure the premises
• Call the police and tell them “there has been an armed robbery”
• Stop trading
• Don’t touch anything
For a free copy of the booklet Personal Safety & Security, please email Alan Townsend on info@banknotewatch.co.uk or call him on 07973 818927.
