As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take the steps to avoid becoming a robbery target. The Ottawa Police Service website provides these tips:
- Keep the interior, front and rear entrances of the business well lit
- Keep advertising and merchandise out of windows
- Always keep the rear and side doors locked
- Maintain a record of decoy or “bait” currency to give to a robber
- Be sure your alarms work at all times
- Do not open your business before or after regular business hours
- Avoid routine activities that could be observed by would-be robbers
- Call the police if you receive a request to open after regular hours
- Make sure your video monitoring equipment is operating
Poor money handling can also make you a target. The Ottawa Police Service recommends that you:
- Keep cash on your premises as low as possible
- Keep cheques separate from cash
- Go directly to the bank to make your deposits
- Do not go to the bank alone
- Vary the time and routine of your bank trips
- Consider using a “drop” safe that can only be opened by the owner and/or manager
- If possible, conceal your money
- Do not leave deposits or withdrawals unattended in the car
- If possible, make bank deposits during daylight hours
Preparing your staff
If you are a small business owner, the Ottawa Police Service website suggests that you have a plan for employees to follow in case of a robbery:
- Teach all employees how to use the alarm system
- Assign employees different tasks in case of a robbery:
- one to call the police
- one to make observations about the robber
- one to protect the evidence
- one to detain witnesses
The School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University has compiled a great list of tips for preventing crime at your business. The list focuses on four major areas: routines, handling cash, access and visibility.