In my series on 'How Not to Become a Victim of Crime', a plan of action is discussed in detail.   However, I received request for actual pointers and recommendations on exactly what should one do.  The following recommendations are not guaranteed as every business, home, and persons, may need to modify the list provided to accommodate their various environment.

We shall first look at armed robbery response; this serious crimes as classified by the Royal Bahamas Police Force has even been given its own special team of investigators. The police have targeted it as a key crime for intervention, but have found it difficult to deal with effectively, as recent corruption cases have shown. It is widely reported in the media, and convicted armed robbers receiving long prison sentences.

Yet despite the significance of armed robbery in the criminal justice system, there remains a large gap in knowledge and understanding of the subject.   What are some of the motivating factors for the robber

Armed robbery is seen as a fast and direct way of getting money.

The robber may need money for drugs, or to pay debts.

In the case of some young offenders the "thrill" of the incident and the feeling of power are enough to make them re-offend. It may soon become a "lifestyle" or a "profession".

Case files have shown that the majority of armed robberies are not thoroughly planned. However, the professional armed robber will sometimes go to great lengths in the preparation and planning of the armed robbery and will case the premises extensively before the event.

Studies have shown the involvement of both drugs and alcohol to be
significant in incidents of armed robbery.

In the case of the drug addict who desperately needs to finance the next "hit", the decision to stage an armed holdup is potentially lethal. The armed robbery will probably not be well planned and there is no guarantee that the individual is rational.

Violence might increase when there is more than one offender. In these instances you are at a much heightened risk.  

It is important to understand these points when formulating prevention and response strategies. 

Armed Robbery Prevention

Cash Reduction – Limit the amount of cash held and publicize it.
 

Research suggests that limiting the amount of cash held on the premises and publicizing the fact will significantly minimize the risk of armed robbery.

Cash Handling:

Small amounts of cash being held at any one time will reduce the attractiveness of a target.

·        More frequent deposits to banks or secure holding units will assist.

·        Money should be kept out of sight.

·        Cash should never be counted in view.

·        Takings should never be discussed in public.

·        Advertise the fact of minimum cash holdings.

3.  Don't Advertise Your Profits:

As a businessperson you believe in advertising – armed robbers also look for advertisements. Don't advertise to the potential armed robber that will be profitable to rob you. Never, ever, 'flash' a large roll of bills.

4.  Cash Drop Box with Time Delay Lock:

This will help deter the would be robber. Signs should be used to advertise this fact.

5.   Cash Registers:  

It is desirable for cash registers to be located where they are highly visible to passers-by. This it increases the possibility of identification of the robber. The more visible the better and this acts as a deterrent.  

6.  Avoid Routine:

Where it is necessary for staff to transport cash, do not establish a routine. Staff should not wear uniforms which identify the business or that are security personnel. Ensure that times and routines are varied. Be mindful of the human element of COMPLACENCY in this area.

 7.  Credit Facilities:

Provision of credit facilities should effectively reduce the quantity of cash held. Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) system is also an excellent way of reducing cash held on the premises. Ask for information from your bank.

 8. Open environment:

An open and uncluttered environment which provides a clear, well lit view of the sales area from outside is a deterrent to armed robbers, who prefer to remain unobserved.

9.      Rear access:

Any rear access should be fully secured. Appropriate locks should be employed. Illuminate backyards and lanes leading to the premises. Curtains, posters and advertising material which obscures vision should be used to a minimum. These provide cover for any would-be bandit.

10.  Doors and Windows :

All exterior doors should be of solid construction with good quality locks fitted. To guard against forced entry, consider fitting bars to windows. Louvered windows are a particularly weak point. If counting money at night, this should be done out of view and the premises should be secured.

11.   Counters:

Behind the counter is your territory and there should be no opportunity for access by the customer. Counters should be designed to provide as much distance between customers and staff as practicable. Deep counters with raised floors behind the counter make it difficult for offenders to assault staff.

12.  Surveillance cameras:

Surveillance cameras may not deter armed robbers but they will certainly contribute to their arrest. If activated during a hold-up, the resulting photographs can greatly increase the chances of apprehending the offender. It is important that these cameras are maintained and serviced regularly.

13.  Lighting:

Lighting can be used to advantage – making the target highly visible and increasing the chances of offender identification.

14.  Mirrors:

Mirrors can be useful in otherwise obscured areas allowing staff to fully monitor floor space. However, be careful that mirrors do not allow potential robbers to see your cash area from the customer's side of the counter.

15.  Electronic sensors:

Electronic sensors can alert staff that customers are entering or leaving the premises.

16.  Bullet resistant barriers:

The handling of large sums of money such as payrolls may warrant the installation of bullet resistant barriers for staff protection. There are various grading of bullet resistant barriers and a risk assessment can be conducted by security consultants.

17.  Exact money:

Requiring the "exact money" in business transactions can eliminate the need to keep cash tills especially at night. When large bills are used for payment, a customer or robber is alerted to where the larger amounts of cash are held as it must be accessed to supply change. An offender may deliberately purchase a small item with large bills for this purpose. It may be wise to have a notice asking for exact money.

18. Time controlled vaults:

These will also deter the would be robber – reducing opportunity. Signs should be used to advertise that these facilities are on the premises.

19.  Vigilance:

Vigilance on the part of staff is essential. Any suspicious behavior should be noted, and reported to the police. Keen observations by staff may assist police in apprehending the offenders before the offence. Personal name tags for staff should be used with caution. This can place staff in a vulnerable position after the robbery, particularly if surnames are used.

20. New Staff:

When selecting new staff ascertain personal background details. References should be sought and consulted.

21. When staff leave your employment: 

Ensure that any keys to areas which departing staff have had access have been accounted for. Where keys cannot be located change the lock. Where staff members leave under difficult or strange circumstances it may also be worth considering changing locks, combinations and even cash handling procedures.

This list is by no means comprehensive, and in fact some of you may already have several of my recommendations in place.   Next week we will look at what are some suggested responses during the actual event.  This is critical because the concern of the prevention plan is cash retention, however during the robbery the most important concern is the preservation of life.

Gamal Newry is the President of Preventative Measures, a Loss Prevention and Asset Protection Training and Consulting Company, specializing in Policy and Procedure Development, Business Security Reviews and Audits, & Emergency and Crisis Management. Comments can be sent to P.O. Box N-3154 Nassau, Bahamas or, email gnewry@preventativemeasures.com