It is a business owner's responsibility to ensure the workplace is safe for employees and customers.  Here are some measures to reduce the risk of personal injury and avoid becoming a victim, while increasing the potential of bringing those responsible to justice:

• Report any suspicious people or circumstances to the police.  It is better to have the police attend before a serious problem arises.
• Locate the cash register in an area visible to passing motorists, pedestrians and police patrols.
• Avoid keeping a large amount of cash on the premises.
• Make nightly deposits in teams and stagger deposit times.
• Proper lighting both inside and out of your business will discourage many robbers.
• Don't cover the windows of your store with posters or boxes where people can't see in.

During a Robbery

There are some situations where you can't prevent a robbery from happening.  If you are being robbed, the best thing to do is comply with the demands of the robber.  You will increase the danger of being injured if you resist.  If a weapon is indicated, but not seen, assume the robber is in possession of one.

After a Robbery

Immediately call the police.  Remain on the phone with the call taker until an officer arrives.  Lock the store and ask witnesses to stay.

Protect the crime scene

• Do not touch anything
• Keep customers or other employees away from the area where the robbery occurred to preserve any possible fingerprints or other physical evidence.