Oct. 1 Crime Prevention Tip: Robbery Prevention

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott declared the month of October Crime Prevention Month. The sheriff's department will provide citizens with daily tips for preventing crime. The tips for Oct. 1 are to help busines owners or employees know what to do before, during and after a robbery. 

Before a robbery:

Teach and Practice, Practice and Teach (Train to be alert to your surroundings; a good witnesses and involved citizen) 

Have evidence collection equipment (cameras, Smooth surfaces, height tape) 

Have policy and procedures (closing, money handling, passive, hiring and firing) 

During a robbery:

Assure the Criminal that you will give them what they want 

Announce your actions and movements 

Have a plan 

Be a good witness and be passive 

Survive 

7 Steps After a robbery:

Lock the doors 

Sound the alarm/911 

Verify all employees are safe 

Preserve the crime scene 

Ask customers to stay 

Fill out suspect ID sheet 

Pat yourself on the back - you survived 

Reporting a robbery has occurred:

Give your location 

Stay calm 

Be specific (where, what, who, give details) 

Stay on the phone 

Remember that: 

You may be telling us something that we are not aware of or you may be giving us the information that we need to investigate and possibly make an arrest. Suspicious Activity is an event taking place out of the ordinary which could lead to a crime or be a crime in progress.

 

Protective Measures to prevent robbery:

Limit access to work areas 

Have alternate staff exits 

Know how to report problems 

Report threatening and suspicious activity to police 

Electronic access control. 

Silent alarms. 

Metal detectors. 

Video cameras. 

Have Security Surveys done 

Improve Lighting and Visibility 

Summary

Allow police to become familiar with your facility. 
Practice good crime prevention. 
Be “law enforcement friendly”. 
Utilize local associations to keep abreast of current trends.