Robbery prevention tips

In case of a robbery, someone steals something from you using violence or threatens
to do so. Robbers want to get away as quickly as possible with as much money and
valuables as possible- they want to get the job done within one or two minutes.
Therefore, it is important to make things as difficult as possible for the robbers.
The tips below will help reduce the risk of robbery.

Tips for prevention of business robbery
• Robbers are only interested in one thing: money. They like to get as much of it as
possible as quickly as possible. This is why robbers prefer locations where they cannot
easily be seen. The more people are present, the more the robber will feel ´watched´.

• Ensure a clear presence of staff in strategic places.

• Make it clear that there is nothing worth stealing in your company. Never put money,
gift cards, vouchers and phone credit cards in view. Place stickers with texts such as
`key to safe not present´ or ´safe with delay ´and ´CCTV´ (closed-circuit television)
in strategic places where they will be seen.

• Sometimes security cameras are placed too high which means footage is unsuitable
for recognition. Also consider hanging cameras in other places. Robbers assume that
cameras will be placed near check-outs, entrances and exits. They are likely to take
off masks or hoods in places where they do not expect to be caught on camera.

• An emergency button will only work in combination with a (burglar) alarm. Pressing
the button will activate the (silent) alarm. Make clear agreements with the security
company in advance about notifying the police so you know exactly what will
happen if one of your employees should press the button.

• Install a transparent screen over the cash register against ´cash box snatching´.

• Encourage pin payments. The less money is kept in cash, the better.

• Empty cash registers regularly and store away large denominations immediately.
Count money in a closed room. Never take home daily profits.

• Should you take money to the bank yourself, always do this with at least two
people and at varying times, taking different routes. You can, maybe with fellowentrepreneurs, employ a professional money courier service.

• Never open or close the store alone and be aware of your surroundings. Robberies
often take place during closing times. Before closing, always check that everyone has
left the building. If in doubt, notify your security company or the police.

• Always close the staff entrance and stockroom entrance, even when suppliers are
coming and going, offloading stock.

• Report suspicious behavior inside and outside the building to your security company
or the police immediately.

• Make a plan of what to do in case of robbery and ensure that your staff is familiar
with the procedures and use of safety precautions.

What to do in case of business robbery
Despite all preventative measures, robberies can never be prevented completely. It is
important that your staff is able to act sensibly and safely in such a situation. It’s a good
idea is to observe the below mentioned RASO-rules:

R Remain calm.
Robbers come in for the money, not the people.

A Accept the situation. Always assume that any weapon the robber brings is genuine.
S Surrender anything that they ask for. Do not resist.
O Observe. Take in as many characteristics of the robbers as possible.

After a robbery, think of the tips below:
• Pay attention to how the robbers leave and what direction they flee in;

• Call 911 immediately (police and ambulance) and report the exact address of the scene of the crime, a short description of the robber(s) and whether any people are hurt;

• Lock everything. Do not let anyone in and wait for the police to arrive;

• Do not touch anything. Ensure no traces are erased.

• Put customers at ease and ask for their cooperation as a witness.

Home robbery prevention tips
• Do not open the front door, the porch door or garden gate without thinking. Always
check who is at the door beforehand.

• Make a habit of not answering the door after a certain time.

• If someone claims to be from a company or organization, ask for identification. If
necessary, call the company or organization to check before letting the person in.

• Never leave a collector unattended. Close the door while you go to get money. A
collector is obliged to carry identification. If he or she cannot show any, do not give
any money.

• If strangers ‘in need’ come to your door and ask if they can call 911, do not let them
in but call 911 yourself after asking what the emergency is.

• Put a chain on your front door so no one can open the door and push you inside.

• Robbers are always looking for cash. Be sure not to keep large amounts of cash at
home, not even in a safe!

• Do not divulge any personal information about yourself. For instance: times at which
you are home alone, times you leave home and times you return.

• Don’t mention or brag about valuable possessions.

• Be careful about who you connect with over the Internet. Remember you know very
little about the persons you are in contact with. Meet them in a public place a few
times to get to know them better. When it concerns the sale or purchase of second
hand products through online platforms such as Facebook, Marktplaats etc., choose
a neutral location for the transaction.

• A videophone is a useful tool. It enables you to see who is at the door and
communicate with them safely. Some videophones can also (automatically) take a
picture of the person.

• Should you become the victim of a home robbery, it is best to cooperate with
the robber. Your safety comes first after all. It is more sensible to remember
characteristics of the robber(s) and write them down when you get the opportunity.
An accurate description can help the police track down the perpetrators.

Street robbery prevention tips
1. Think about what you are carrying with you:
• Personal items that you don’t need are better left at home;

• Reduce the amount of cash that you carry. Using your bank (debit or credit) card is
preferable. Divide the cash over several places;

• Divide your documents and valuables over various bags/pockets;

• Never keep your keys together with documents that disclose your address;

• Learn your pin code by heart and never keep it near your bank card;

• Use a bag that closes properly and wear it with the fastening directed towards you.

2. Avoid showing your valuables:
• When taking out your wallet or mobile phone, do so discreetly when you need it and
avoid other people seeing where you store them.

• Do not show off your jewelry.

3. Take precautions:
• Secure your mobile phone with a code and anti-theft software, and regularly do a
back-up of the data stored on the phone.

• Make a copy of valuable documents such as your identity card. This way, you have
the necessary information to replace them. Keep copies not only at home but also in
your mailbox or cloud. Do ensure that these are well protected.

• Register your valuables, for instance the serial number of your mobile phone etc.

4. Don’t lose sight of bags and luggage:
• Always close your handbag properly and carry it between arm and body with the
fastening facing inward.

• Do not put valuables such as wallet, phone or mp3-players in the back- or outside
pockets of your trousers. If possible, use an inside pocket or, if not possible, a front
pocket.

• When in busy areas, carry your backpack or handbag at the front against your body
(if possible with the fastening facing your body).

• Stay with your luggage.

• Do not hang your handbag or backpack on a chair behind you but place it on an
extra chair, under the table or on your lap.

• When in a changing room, make sure your handbag or backpack is not too close to
the curtain or door.


5. Be alert:
• Be alert when in a busy place or in case of sudden commotion.

• Be alert when strangers approach you or ‘accidentally’ bump into you.

• Did someone just bump into you? Try to find out who it was and check that you still
have all your belongings.