Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

1. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ron Hanavan Deputy Cocha Heyden Community Relations/Crime Prevention 303-660-7544

2. ROBBERY PREVENTION

3. What we are going to learn today.. • The realities of robbery • Opening and closing procedures • Proper cash handling system • Physical Security considerations • Prevention checklist • Do’s and Don’ts during an actual robbery

4. Realities of Robbery

5. Robbery-A Dangerous Crime • A robber commits a hold up because he or she believes that their profit will be worth the risk • Decrease the possible profit, on hand, and increase the risk= less victims • Personal safety is an important consideration when planning how to react to an armed robbery • That is why we are here today…..

6. Opening and Closing Procedures • At least two employees present • Do a quick security check of outside entry points • Use prearranged signal to indicate everything checked out okay • At closing, make sure no one is hiding in business • Walk to the parking lot together

7. Proper Cash Protection System • It is a good idea to have training on various possible types of attacks • The system should work by first saving lives and second by protecting the money • Keep cash at a minimum, on hand • If business deals in a lot of cash, have a pick up more then once a day • When opening and closing, cash on hand should be very miminum

8. Proper Cash Protection System • Consider using a money safe that requires more than one employee to open and remove daily receipts • Always lock safes after the day’s opening funds are obtained • Dual Control of safes and two-key inner compartment money safes require at least two people to open door, thus helping to prevent robberies • Try not to open the cash safe to often • Do not maintain more surplus cash in business than is absolutely necessary

9. Etc… • Always keep money out of reach and sight of customers • DO NOT count out cash drawers in sight of customers

10. Making Bank Deposits • Try to make bank deposits during daylight hours with more than one person • Vary the route to the bank • Do not make any stops along the way • Vary the time of day the deposit is made • Vary the personnel making the deposit if possible • Disguise the currency bag in another container • Use armed guard if necessary

11. Physical Security Considerations

12. Security Considerations • Physical barriers such as bullet-resistant enclosures between customers and employees provides the greatest protection • Robbers sometimes lock employees in storage rooms. Hide a key inside of that room • Mark the edge of the doorway at varying heights to identify the height of a robber • Think about installing prominent surveillance camera equipment. We recommend having 31 videos, one for each day of month. • Keep side and rear doors and windows closed and locked • Delivery or personnel doors should have peephole or card entry system

13. Robbery Prevention Checklist

14. Make Business Unattractive to Robber • Keep business neat and clean • Keep it well stocked • Get away from sales counter when there are no customers in business

15. Locate Sales Counter in Clear View • Do not block windows with posters or flyers • Remove any displays, after dark that a robber could hide behind • Make sure that you can see out and a passerby’s or the deputies can see in

16. Spot Possible Hiding Places • Notice possible escape routes from the business • After dark, observe lighting and dark corners

17. Keep Alert at All Times • Notice what is going on outside the business • Be aware of cars parked across the street or off to one side of the lot • Look for anyone who may be watching the business or hanging around • Call the Sheriff’s Office if they do not leave

18. Good Customer Service • Look them in the eye • Ask the customer ahead of someone suspicious “Are you together?” • The customer usually turns around to look at the person, they may be able to identify that person later

19. In The Event of a Robbery

20. Remain Calm • Don’t challenge the robber • Don’t make any sudden movements • The average robbery takes less than two minutes • Activate the alarm only when the robber leaves the building

21. Obey the Robbers Orders • Robbers seldom hurt cooperative people • Give the robber only what is asked for, do not give him anymore • If you do not have what he asks for, politely explain • Follow the robber’s instructions exactly • Keep calm and observe what the robber looks like, and what he is wearing • Try to remember what he says • Try to remember what type of weapon, is robber has one

22. Announce Possible Surprises • If you must reach for something, or move in any way, tell the robber first • If someone is in the back room, or is expected in the business, tell the robber

23. Once the Robber Has Left • If possible, watch him leave the premises • Look for direction of travel from the business • Look for a vehicle, color, make and model, and license number • DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT CHASE AFTER THE ROBBER

24. DON’T DO THIS… • DON’T ARGUE WITH THE ROBBER • DON’T FIGHT THE ROBBER • DON’T USE WEAPONS • DON’T CHASE ROBBER, IT INVITES VIOLENCE • DON’T ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF LOSS-DON’T GUESS

25. CALL THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE.. • Dial 911, and don’t hang up until they tell you to do so • Tell dispatchers is medical is needed • Protect the scene by locking front door. Discontinue business until deputies are finished • DO NOT TOUCH ANY EVIDENCE • Call any necessary supervisors • Separate witnesses, do not let them discuss what has happened • Complete any necessary forms

26. QUESTIONS