The Business Crime Prevention Program promotes communication and education for small businesses who have walk-in clientele and less than 20 employees.
Community Police Centres provide an important link to businesses by providing them with practical crime prevention tools to combat criminal activity like theft, fraud, robberies and mischief.
Make your business a less inviting target for criminal activitiy -- contact your nearest Community Police Centre to obtain your free Business Crime Prevention package.
Robbery Prevention
Many robberies occur because the businesses make it convenient for the robber. Poor cash handling, housekeeping and a general lack of planning can make you an easy target for robbery.
General protective measures:
Keep the interior, front and rear entrances well lighted
Keep advertising and merchandise out of windows as much as possible
Always keep the rear and side doors locked
Maintain a record of decoy or "bait" currency to be given to a robber
Be sure your alarms are in good working order at all times
Do not open your place of business before or after regular business hours
Avoid routine procedures which can be observed and used to the advantage of would-be robbers
Call the police if a request is received to open after regular hours
Be sure that your video monitoring equipment is operating
Making your bank deposits:
Vary time and routine of bank trips
Consider using a "drop" safe that can only be opened by the owner and/or manager
Keep cash exposure and cash on premises as low as possible
Keep cheques separate from cash
Go directly to the bank
If possible conceal the money, do not leave deposits or withdrawals unattended in the car
Do not go to the bank alone
If possible, make deposits during daylight hours
Plan with your employees in case of a robbery:
Instruct all employees in use of the alarm system
Assign employees different tasks in case of a robbery
one to call the police
one to make observations about the robber
one to protect the evidence at the scene of the crime
one to detain witnesses
When a robbery occurs:
Remain calm, robbers are usually very excited and may be easily provoked or under the influence of drugs
Take no action that would jeopardize the safety of you, your employees or customers
Obey the robber's instructions
If possible, activate the silent alarm
Keep the hold up note if one is used by the robber
Take a good look at the suspect and immediately note any details that may be useful to police
Immediately after robbery:
Call the police as soon as robbers leave the premises
Protect the scene of the crime and stop others from disturbing the scene
Do not touch any articles that may have been touched or left by the robbers
Hold all witnesses until the police arrive
Lock the doors and allow no-one in except the police
Do not trust memory, jot down all information immediately
Identifying a robber to police
Practice identification with co-workers
Use a tape measure and masking tape to make height markers on the door frame of the entrance. Tape the door-frame of the entrance at 5'8", 5'10", 6' and 6'3" since this will help you tell the police the robber's height
Try to notice abnormalities, speech problems or scars
Notice type of build, or estimate weight
Notice type and colour of clothing worn
Observe direction in which suspects leave and try to get a description of the vehicle from any witnesses and write down the licence number
Be able to describe the size, type and colour of guns or any other weapons used in the robbery