Free Training Available

The Armed Robbery Prevention Kit provides up to date information including strategies to reduce the risk of  crime and improve the safety of staff and customers. The kit includes a suspect description form, a 'No Cash', 'Keep Cash Low' and 'Height' sticker, a 'Temporarily Closed' sign and a 'CODE A' Poster (this poster is available to download to the bottom right).

The kit in conjunction with a presentation provides invaluable information regarding premises design; cash handling tips; reducing and minimising the risk to both the staff and business; staff information including personal safety advice should an armed robbery occur; CCTV information. and staff welfare.

Local Service Area Crime Prevention Sections are equipped to provide a free 45 minute training session on Armed Robbery to your business. Police will provide your business with training for all staff and a copy of the Armed Robbery Prevention kit.

 

Prevention Tips

• An open, uncluttered environment providing a clear, well lit view of the sales area from outside can deter offenders. Advertising material, posters and curtains should be kept at a minimum to provide a clear view of the premises from both inside and outside
• Staff should take extra care when opening or closing the business. This includes checking the premises for unwanted intruders who may be hiding in toilets or other isolated areas
• Store rooms, rear access points, doors and windows should be kept secure at all times. Locks should be of suitable strength to ensure the security and safety of staff
• Sales counters should be the domain of staff only and be monitored and secured at all times. Raised platforms and deep counters can provide added safety for staff by assisting observation of the retail area and distancing them from possible assaults
• All staff should be trained on robbery procedures and security equipment activation
• Staff should be attentive towards suspicious behaviours, motor vehicles or out-of-the-ordinary incidents.

 

 

CCTV

• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) can be a deterrent to offenders and can provide police with valuable evidence
• Ensure CCTV systems are installed properly, regularly maintained, switched on and in proper working order
• Camera placement is critical to the success of all CCTV systems and it is recommended that professional advice be sought
• ASIAL is the National Association for the security industry, acting as a self-regulatory body to promote a high level of service within the industry. Members of ASIAL can be located via www.asial.com.au

What to do during an Armed Robbery:

• Try to remain calm
• Activate alarm devices as soon as possible, but only if it is safe to do so
• Speak only when spoken to as any conversation with the offender will prolong the incident
• Unless otherwise ordered, continually watch the offender/s making a mental note of their description especially scars, tattoos and any other prominent features and any weapons they may have
• Look to see the direction of travel taken by the offender/s when they leave the premised if safe to do so, including if a vehicle is used and if there are any other occupants
• Never take any drastic action and do not chase the offender.
  

What to do after an Armed Robbery:

• Immediately telephone 000 and ask for police (even if you have activated alarms) and state:
  - if anyone has been hurt at the scene - their wellbeing is most important
• Then advise police:
  - An armed robbery has occurred
  - The name and exact location of where the crime occurred including the name of the business and closest intersecting street
  - Number and description of offender/s, including any vehicles used and registration numbers
  - The time the offence occurred
  - Whether any weapons were seen and what type
  - The direction of travel of the offenders.
  - Only hang up the telephone when told to do so and stay off the phone until police arrive unless you remember additional information that may be important
  - Immediately close the premises to the public and keep unauthorised persons from entering
  - Consider arranging someone to meet police outside, particularly in large shopping areas to make response more efficient
  - Make sure that no person touches or moves any items where the offender/s has been
  - Have witnesses and customers remain until the police arrive - if they have to leave, obtain their names, addresses and telephone numbers
  - Ask witnesses not to discuss the details of the crime with each other
  - If possible and practical, witnesses should independently write a description of the offender/s and what actually occurred in as much detail as they remember
  - Do not make any statement to the media before discussing the matter with police
  - Supply all details to police no matter how insignificant they appear. This may also include earlier suspicious visitors, rude, drunk or drug affected customers, or cars constantly seen near the business.

Victim support

Victims of a traumatic crime can often feel violated, fearful and isolated for a long time after the event. The crime can affect many aspects of life including work, family and friendships.

The Victim Support Service is a community based, not-for-profit organisation in South Australia. Qualified professional staff provide a comprehensive range of services for people who have suffered as a result of a criminal offence. This includes individual crime victims, their families, friends and the wider community.

Victim Contact Officers are police officers whose role is to provide support, advice and information to victims of crime. If you require assistance, please telephone you nearest police Local Service Area.

If you require further information or advice, please contact your Local Service Area and arrange for a free training session from the Crime Prevention Section.