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Hold-up

MANAGEMENT

The majority of armed robberies are not well planned.  Offenders are rarely rational or in control.

Reducing the Threat

Pre enter/display Police and Campus Security emergency numbers near the telephone:
 

Police:

Security: 

Better Cash Handling Procedures

• Limit the amount of cash kept on the premises and in the till.
• Publicise this:  "Minimal Cash Kept On Premises".
• Use a cash drop box/floor safe for surplus cash.
• Keep cash registers out of sight.
• A policy requiring exact money can eliminate the need to open tills.

• Avoid strict routines.
• Vary times and routines when transporting cash.
• Be observant.  Pay attention to customers hanging around.
• Keep entries/ exits clear of obstructions.
• Report suspicious activities and people to Police or Campus Security immediately.

• An open uncluttered environment providing a clear, well lit view of the sales area from the outside is a deterrent to armed robbers.
• Secure rear doors/windows and ensure all areas are well lit.
• There should be no opportunity for customers to access behind the counter.
• Counters should provide as much distance between the customer and staff as possible.
• Mirrors allow staff to monitor obscured floor space.

• Closed Circuit TV:     Consider CCTV with signs promoting their existence.  This may not only deter potential offenders, but may assist in identifying an offender.  Consult an expert in relation to correct positioning and lighting requirements.
• Sensors/Photo Electric Beams:  Electronic sensors/alarms alert staff that customers are entering or leaving the premises.  Consider electronic doors if conducting business at night.  This could mean adding a manual switch to entrance doors to control access, rather than automatic access at night.
• Signs/Stickers:     Should be concise, clearly displayed and advertise security equipment & measures being used, e.g..:

Staff

• All staff should be trained on hold-up procedures and security equipment activation.
• Ensure keys are accounted for and returned.
• Staff should always be alert.
• Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to Campus Security and/or Police immediately.
• Keen observations may result in apprehension of offenders,  prior to offences being committed.
• Personal name tags should not contain surnames.

Remember:
 

Calm

 Remain calm.  Tell yourself to stay calm

Obey

 Do exactly what you are told.  Tell the robber exactly 
 what you are doing.  Do not make any sudden
 unexpected movements. 

Description

Obtain a description and use the police "description 
form" within your department's security instructions.

Evidence

Be aware of where the offender went and what was 
touched.  Secure it and don't touch it yourself.

Alarm

Activate the alarm and call police when it is safe to do so.

Action Following an Armed Hold Up

• Raise the alarm  - call police and notify Campus Security.
• Close premises and place a notice on the door:

• Ask witnesses to remain inside.  (Take names and addresses if they wish to leave).
• Avoid contaminating the crime scene.  Do not touch anything the offender may have handled.
• Complete the "Armed Robbery - Aide Memoir" (Offender Description Form).
• Call a relative and advise them that you are safe.
• Refer all media enquiries to the University Public Relations Officer.