NCJ Number
46129
Date Published
Unknown
Length
24 pages
Annotation
THE PROBLEM OF BUSINESS ROBBERY IS ADDRESSED AND PROCEDURAL AND PHYSICAL PREVENTIVE TIPS ARE PROVIDED TO PROTECT ONE'S BUSINESS FROM CRIME.
Abstract
EVERY BUSINESS IS A POTENTIAL TARGET FOR A CRIME, AND THE MANAGEMENT'S APPROACH TO SECURITY IS WHAT DETERMINES WHETHER IT IS AN EASY OR DIFFICULT TARGET. A BUSINESS SHOULD BE MADE AS DIFFICULT A TARGET AS POSSIBLE, AND THIS MANUAL PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR DOING SO. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT IN CRIME PREVENTION IS WHAT GOES ON BEFORE THE ROBBERY, GOOD VISIBILITY AROUND THE BUSINESS IS NECESSARY, FOR EXAMPLE LIGHTING OF THE PARKING LOT AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING. THE CASH REGISTER SHOULD BE EASILY VISIBLE BOTH FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE BUILDING. ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT IS THE HANDLING OF MONEY. MANAGERS ARE INSTRUCTED NOT TO DO THEIR BANKING REGULARLY, NOT TO COUNT MONEY IN FRONT OF CUSTOMERS, AND TO KEEP ONLY A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF CASH IN THE REGISTER AT ALL TIMES. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS AND ALARM SYSTEMS ARE EFFECTIVE CRIME DETERRENTS. PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS, I.E. LOCKING UP AT NIGHT AND UNLOCKING IN THE MORNING, AND EMPLOYEE TRAINING ARE ALL IMPORTANT IN CRIME PREVENTION. DURING A ROBBERY, ONE SHOULD OBEY THE ROBBER CALMLY AND TRY TO OBSERVE FOR PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS, GETAWAY VEHICLES, AND DIRECTION OF ESCAPE. AFTER A ROBBERY, WITNESSES SHOULD BE DETAINED, POLICE CALLED AND DETAILS WRITTEN DOWN. BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE A ROLE EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO THAT OF THE POLICE IN TRYING TO SOLVE THE CRIME. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES AVAILABLE TO RELATE TO THE POLICE THE PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ROBBER, THE ROBBER'S METHODS OF ESCAPE, AND WHAT WAS STOLEN. IT IS NOTED THAT TO SOME EXTENT, THESE GUIDELINES CAN BE APPLIED TO OTHER SITUATIONS. APPENDIXES PROVIDE CHARTS FOR SUSPECT DESCRIPTION AND WEAPONS IDENTIFICATION.