What to do during an armed robbery

During an armed robbery the overall aim should be to ensure the offender leaves the premises as soon as possible, without injuring or harming anyone. Survival is the number one rule.

Remember CODE A.

Calm	Remain calm. Tell yourself to stay calm
Obey	Do exactly what you are told. Tell the offender what you are doing and why. Try not to make any sudden movements.
Description	Try to picture a description of the offender and any weapons used - but don't stare at them.
Evidence	Be aware where the offender went and what was touched. Isolate and secure the area and do not touch anything.
Alarm	Activate the alarm and call police when it is safe to do so.

More things to remember:

If someone is out of the offender's sight, they should not attempt to surprise the offender or come forward, but should stay where they are.
If an offender has a weapon it should always be assumed they intend to use it.
If it is safe, try to determine which direction the offender leaves in and any vehicle details, without chasing them.
Assets can be replaced, lives can't!

After an armed robbery

As soon as it is safe to do so contact emergency services on 000. Tell them:

if anyone has been hurt at the scene - their wellbeing is most important
the name and address of premises
the number of offenders and a brief description
any description of the vehicle used
if known, the direction of travel.

Staff should not hang up until told to do so by the police or other emergency service.

Lock up and stop trading.

No one should touch anything within the area, including the offender's entrance and exit points, any items left behind and the security footage.

Ask witnesses to remain at the scene or take their contact details. Staff and witnesses should use the offender description form included in the Armed Robbery: Business information kit ( PDF icon 1.13MB) as soon as possible after the robbery without discussing the incident with other witnesses.

Business staff should not comment to anyone other than the police, as to how much cash was stolen or missed by the offenders.

Police should be responsible for all media contact.

Victim support

Victims of a traumatic crime can often feel violated, fearful and isolated. But there is support available.

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The Facts....

Armed robberies generally take less than 90 seconds.

On average, the offender is most likely to be a male, aged 18 - 45 years.

Anecdotal evidence suggests offenders are frequently stressed and irrational, in part due to alcohol and or drug consumption.

If more than one offender is involved in a robbery, there is an increased likelihood that one of the offenders will be armed.

Offenders are typically disguised in some manner, including the wearing of balaclavas, overalls, gloves, hats, sunglasses and hooded tops, whether they are amateurs or professionals.

Most offenders will observe the premises before they act, either from within the premises or a nearby location - primarily for cash handling procedures, staff routines and security measures.

Businesses are generally the most vulnerable to robbery at closing time, and particularly so during the hours of darkness.


		Page URL:	http://www.police.sa.gov.au/sapol/safety_security/safety_security_tips /business_security_and_safety/armed_robbery.jsp