This comes after more local businesses have experienced a series of robberies that have left the police and local community baffled. In an attempt to alert business owners and residents about the spate of break-ins and armed robberies, the police in Vosloorus have issued the following tips.
n Robbery prevention for businesses
Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from someone through the use of force or the threat of violence. This is different from theft because the property is taken directly from a person and there is a threat directed at the victim. The measures described may not be applicable for every business; however, there are certain basic preventive measures that apply to all cash-handling situations.
n How to prevent a business robbery
* Maintain visibility throughout the store. Keep all doors and windows clear of signs and posters that can hinder visibility. Maintaining a clear field of vision allows people outside to see inside the store. This fact alone may deter some potential robbers. Also, keep aisles clear of signs and displays. Robbers don’t like to be observed and the elimination of hiding places helps to ensure they stay away.
* Greet customers as they enter your store, making direct eye contact. This serves two purposes. It improves customer relations and, more importantly, it sends a message to any person entering the store that they have been recognised.
* Keep the facility well lit. Poor lighting can hamper visibility and can create an environment that may be inviting to a robber. Make sure interior lighting provides good visibility in the store at all times. Outdoor lighting should be even and directed towards the sides of the building, not outward where glare can create hiding places for robbers.
* Place wide-angle mirrors in strategic locations. This will assist with visibility in blind areas of the store.
* Develop a cash control programme. There is no better way to help prevent a robbery than by keeping the smallest amount of cash on the premises. No large amounts should be kept in a cash register at any given time. Post a notice to that effect visible to the public.
* Inform employees not to accept large bills during transactions. If money must be kept on the premises, store it in a locked safe and make frequent safe-drops or bank deposits.
* Make bank deposits on a routine basis, utilising either an armoured car service or, if this is not feasible, vary routes to the bank and times of deposit. Take a second person along whenever possible.
* If an alarm system is in use, clearly post a warning on the outside door of the facility. If the facility also has a duress alarm, do not use it during a robbery unless the situation is life-threatening. Always report a non-life-threatening crime over the telephone.
* Remain alert and watchful for suspicious activity. If a suspicious person is observed, notify the police or security guards on duty. Be cautious about answering questions concerning the facility. Questions relating to opening and closing times, the facility alarm system, how many employees are on duty at any given time and so on should be red flags.
* Keep side and back doors locked to prevent undetected entry. The person in charge of the facility should have the only keys to these doors.
* Take precautions during the opening and closing of the facility. When opening the facility, always have two persons present. One person should enter the facility and conduct a visual check and then signal to the other using a predetermined sign that all is okay or another sign that there is trouble. When closing check all back rooms, restrooms and closets to ensure that no one remains in the facility.
n Building security and security devices
* Control access to the building. Keep all doors locked except the main entrance. Ask employees to use the main entrance.
* Install a lock on the back room door that can be unlocked from the inside. Supply this room with an extra key, a phone and a panic button. This will enable an employee to summon help if locked in during a robbery.
* Create a sense of territoriality. People should feel they are on your turf when they enter the store and not free to do as they wish.
* Install a door signalling system like a buzzer or bell. This will alert staff of new arrivals.
* Use signs inside and outside the store to emphasise your security policy on limited cash on hand and employee inaccessibility to the safe.
* Silent “hold-up” alarms should be considered. Alarm-signalling devices can be installed on the floor and tripped by foot, wired to a money clip in the till, hidden under the counter or inside an office or freezer, among other possibilities.
* Install a “buddy alarm” system. A simple bell or buzzer connected to the neighbouring business can be an effective and inexpensive “panic” alarm. It should not be hooked to lights, for a flicker could warn the robber that an alarm has been sent. It should not be loud enough to be heard by the robber. The alarm should be activated only if there is no possibility of detection. A slight movement or sound could trigger a panicking robber to become violent.
*Consider installing a quality video camera and recorder kept high on the wall but visible. Don’t use fake cameras. Robbers know the difference. Have several cameras connected to the system, some visible, some not. It is very important that only the managers should have access to the tape.
n What to do and what not to do during a robbery:
DO:
* Remain calm. There is no need to bring undue attention to the situation. To do so could cause panic and endanger lives.
* Cooperate with the robber. Robbers seldom hurt people who are willing to cooperate.
* Handle the entire procedure as if you were with a customer. Slowing down your actions in the hope that the police will arrive before the robber leaves only endangers lives.
* Observe what the robber looks like and develop a mental picture so that an accurate description can be given to the police.
* Tell the robber about any possible surprises, such as a second employee who is working in a back room. Also, inform the robber if you must move in an unanticipated way.
DO NOT:
* Don’t argue or fight with the robber. No amount of money is worth personal injury.
* Don’t try to persuade the robbers to give themselves up. Once a robbery has started, it is too late for the robbers to change their minds.
* Don’t chase or follow the robber. Police could mistake you for the robber.
n What to do after a robbery:
* Protect the crime scene. Leave everything as it is. Don’t try to clean up or touch any possible evidence.
* Discontinue business and lock the facility.
* Call the police immediately on 08600 10111.
* Ask witnesses to stay until an officer arrives. If unable to do so, write down their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
* Write down a description of the robber including sex, race, height, weight, build, eye and hair colour, scars or tattoos, jewelry, approximate age, and clothing. If possible, note in which direction the suspect fled.
Armed with these tips you may be able to prevent a robbery of your business. You also have some basic guidelines for what to do if a robbery occurs.
SAPS CRIME STOP: 08600 10111
SAPS EMERGENCY LINE: 10111
SAPS Vosloorus: 011 724 1018/19
CSC Commander: 076 205 2043
Sector 1: 071 675 6916 or 071 675 6917
Sector 2: 071 675 6918 or 071 675 6919
Sector 3: 071 675 6920 or 071 675 6921
Sector 4: 071 675 6922 or 071 675 6925
Sector 5: 071 675 6923 or 071 675 6924
