Place a surveillance camera behind the cash
register facing the front counter.
Vary times and routes of travel for bank
deposits.
Don't use marked "moneybags" that make it
obvious to would-be robbers you are carrying
money for deposit.
Keep a low balance in the cash register.
Place excess money in a safe or deposit it
as soon as possible.
Cooperate with the robber for your own
safety and the safety of others. Comply with a
robber's demands. Remain calm and think clearly.
Make mental notes of the robber's physical
description and other observations important to
law enforcement officers.
If you have a silent alarm and can reach it
without being noticed, use it. Otherwise, wait
until the robber leaves.
Be careful, most robbers are just as nervous
as you are.
Keep your business neat and clean. A tidy,
orderly place of business is inviting to
customers, but not to robbers. Dressing neatly
also sends the right message.
Stay alert! Know who is in your business and
where they are. Watch for people who hang around
without buying anything. Also, be aware of
suspicious activity outside your place of
business. Write down license numbers of
suspicious vehicles if visible from the inside
of your business.
Make sure the sales counter can be seen
clearly. Don't put up advertisements, flyers,
displays, signs, posters or other items on
windows or doors that might obstruct the view of
the register from inside or outside your
business. The police cruising by your store need
to see in.
Try to greet customers as they enter your
business. Look them in the eye, and ask them if
they need help. Your attention can discourage a
robber.
Keep your business well-lit, inside and
outside. Employees should report any burned-out
lights to the business owner or manager. Keep
trees and bushes trimmed, so they don't block
any outdoor lights.
Encourage the police to stop by your
business.
Learn the names of the officers who patrol
your business.
Use care after dark. Be cautious when
cleaning the parking lot or taking out the trash
at night. Make sure another employee inside the
business keeps you within eye contact while you
are involved in work details outside of your
building.
If you see something suspicious, call the
police. Never try to handle it yourself. It
could cost you your life.
Handle cash carefully. Avoid making your
business a tempting target for robbers. Keep the
amount of cash in registers low. Drop all large
bills right away. If a customer tries to pay
with a large bill, politely ask if he or she has
a smaller one. Explain that you keep very little
cash on hand.
Use only one register at night. Leave other
registers empty and open. Tilt the register
drawer to show there is no money in it.
Leave blinds and drapes partially open
during closing hours.
Make sure important signs stay posted. For
example, the front door should bear signs that
say, "Clerk Cannot Open the Time Lock Safe."
If your business is robbed put your safety
first. Your personal safety is more important
than money or merchandise.
Don't talk except to answer the robber's
questions.
Don't stare directly at the robber.
Prevent surprises, keep your hands in sight
at all times.
Don't make any sudden moves.
Tell the robber if someone is coming out of
the back room or vault or working in another
area of your business.
Don't chase or follow the robber out of your
place of business.
Leave the job of catching the robber to the
police.