Does Your Organization Have a Robbery Prevention Strategy?

By Rebecca Gomez

Crime is a continuous problem for many organizations. Several studies have proven the direct correlation between available cash and likelihood of a robbery. The best strategy an organization can have to prevent robbery is limit the amount of cash available. This strategy will not only reduce the likelihood of a robbery but will also reduce the possibility of employees or clients injury that can result from a robbery. Organizations that have retail operations are especially vulnerable to robbery.

To protect your organization, administrators should implement a robbery prevention program. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed a set of questions that can help administrators assess their exposures to a potential robbery. These questions include:

• Is cash on- hand or in cash drawers kept at a minimum? Interviews with robbers have indicated that when the amount of available cash drops from $100 to $50, fully half the robbers lose interest in the store as a robbery target.
• Is cash, especially large bills, removed from cash registers and deposited in drop safes?
• Are signs posted noting that only limited cash is available and employees do not have access to the safe?
• Is cash transferred to the bank regularly, but not on a set, predictable schedule?
• Has consideration been given to using an armored car service or having a guard accompany bank messengers (especially for night deposits)?
• Has consideration been given to closing the business at night, especially if other neighborhood businesses close? Robbers prefer targets that allow them to escape unseen.
• Are posters and displays, which obstruct the view into the premises or block the employees’ view of the outside areas, not placed on windows?
• Have employees been advised to observe and report suspicious persons?
• Have employees been trained in procedures to follow during and after a robbery?
• Have employees been advised not to take any actions that, during a robbery, could jeopardize personal safety?
• Are “buddy” procedures used for opening (such as one employee waiting outside while another searches for the premises) and closing (having one employee leave and go to the safety of a car before the other employee locks up) the business?
• Without conflicting with life safety code requirements, are side and rear doors kept locked at all times? In some robberies, access is gained through the side or rear door.
• Are security devices, such as holdup alarm systems and closed circuit television, provided and employees trained in their use? If a holdup alarm is provided, employees should be advised not to attempt to actuate it while the robber is on the premises.

Being proactive is an effective risk management strategy to prevent your organization from becoming victim to crime.  If you would a quote for crime coverage or have any questions, please contact our office. We are here to help.