• Act calmly. Do exactly what the robber says. Keep your movements short and smooth to avoid startling the robber.
  
• Do not resist. Cooperate for you own safety and the safety of others. Robbers usually are excited and easily provoked. Tell the robber about any movements you plan to make.
  
• Activate an alarm if it can be done safely without alerting the robber.
  
• Observe carefully. Study the robber's face and clothing, note any other distinguishing features, observe the direction of escape, record the license, make, and color of any vehicle used in the robbery, etc. Write down everything you can remember about the robber and the crime itself.
  
• Lock the door and call 911 immediately after the robber leaves. Call the police before you call the owner or anyone else.
  
• Preserve the scene. Discontinue regular business until officers have searched the scene. Cover any surfaces the robber may have touched and keep away from areas where the robber may have been.
  
• Ask witnesses to remain. Get names and phone numbers if they are unable to remain. Ask to see their driver's licenses or other ID to verify this information.
  
• Don't discuss the robbery with others until all statements have been taken

How to Keep Your Commercial Property Safe

Locks and Padlocks

• lock all outside entrances
• padlocks should be of hardened steel
• always keep padlocks locked

Doors

• all outside and security doors should be of solid construction
• all outside and security doors should be metal lined
• all jams should be solid
• all exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal

Windows

• should have secure locks
• burglar-resistant glass treatments
• if you have an alarm, have glass break sensors

Lights

• keep entire perimeter well lit
• focus on doors and other possible entries

Alarm System

• should be supplied and installed by licensed alarm company
• have a central monitoring station
• check system on a daily basis
• advertise its presence to deter break-ins

Cash Register

• keep in plain view from outside the building (easily monitored)
• leave open when empty and not in use

Safe

• fire proof
• burglar resistant
• anchored securely
• leave in plain sight (easily monitored)
• use to lock up valuables when business is closed
• change combination when someone with access is released from employment

Building Exterior

• secure all openings
• do not store items, such as boxes, trash bins, vehicles, or equipment, near your building that would provide concealment and/or roof access

Perimeter Fences

• adequate enough to keep intruders out
• but also allow good visibility by neighbors and police

Key Control and ID Number

• code all keys
• keep keys securely locked when not in use
• do not allow employees to leave them lying around
• do not allow employees to make duplicates
• change locks whenever you suspect key security has been jeopardized

Prevent Shoplifting Tips

• Greet every customer as they enter the store. This lets them know that you know they’re there and they’re being watched.
• Concentrate your resources on deterrence as your first line of defense and apprehension second. It’s easier to prevent shoplifting than it is to catch a shoplifter.
• Smart store design, especially for the small specialty retailer, is very effective as a theft deterrent. If your merchandising allows, use low aisles so your employees can monitor several rows at once. Keep sightlines open from the cash register to all corners of the shop. Keep your high-end items away from the door. Place the dressing rooms in plain sight of the cash register. Count items that go into the dressing room.
• Train your employees to keep an eye on customers and to watch for suspicious activity. Instruct them on the basic tactics of shoplifters.
• Issue a receipt for every purchase, and mark the receipt when it has been used for a return. A common ploy is to purchase an item, dump in it in the car, return to the shop and pick up the same item, and show the old receipt as proof of purchase.
• Alternate the way the hangers face in your clothing racks. This will make it harder for a shoplifter to grab an armful of clothing and dash out the door.
• Put up a sign that says “Security Camera Surveillance” or something along these lines. It doesn’t matter if you have security cameras or not.
• Security tag systems (“electronic article surveillance” tags) are very effective. Plug in the transceiver and place the tags on your merchandise and you’re ready to go. For extra protection, put two tags on an item—one in an obvious place, and the other hidden. Again, if you want to go a less expensive route but to somewhat the same effect, buy the inexpensive labels but not the transceiver. The shoplifter will assume you have the transceiver hidden. Check customers for “booster bags.” These are bags that have been lined with foil to stymie EAS systems.
• Lock your small high-end items in a showcase.
• Install surveillance mirrors.
• Check all items before they go into the dressing room. Watch for multiple articles hidden on the same hanger.