Armed Robbery Response for Retailers

While any retailer can become a victim of an armed robbery, some businesses are more at risk. These businesses are often referred to as “high risk” businesses due to their valuable inventory and large amounts of currency on hand, such as pawn shops, cannabis businesses, and jewelry stores. Proactively preparing for an armed robbery is one of the best ways to prevent an armed robbery in any business. Should an armed robbery occur, these preparations can reduce the likelihood of any long-term negative effects, including closure of the business.

Preventing an Armed Robbery

The first thing business owners must do is identify the risk of an armed robbery at their business. Owners must determine the estimated value of inventory products and the average amount of cash that will be on hand at any time to decide if the business would be considered “high risk”. The area in which the business is located should also be considered. If the area is considered “high crime” or has a history of robberies or thefts, this could increase the business’ risk of incurring an incident. To accommodate this increased risk, business owners should increase security measures at their facility, such as installing more cameras or other security devices, contracting with a security guard company, or hiring a security expert to conduct a risk assessment to determine the specific risks for the business.

In general, “high risk” businesses should utilize systems such as video surveillance, access control and alarms to ensure the premises is highly-secured. In addition to security systems, business owners must ensure that the facility is equipped to safely display products and securely store cash and other valuables. Proper hiring and training procedures are also crucial to preventing an armed robbery. A criminal history background check and comprehensive interview process should precede any individual’s involvement with the business. Also, once hired, employees should be fully trained on armed robbery prevention and response. This training can reduce the likelihood of injury and give employees the tools they need to respond to an armed robbery effectively.

Responding to an Armed Robbery

In the event that an armed robbery occurs at the business, thoroughly vetted and trained employees will know that the business values its employees’ safety over things that can be replaced, like products or cash. Employees will know not to panic, make any sudden moves, or attempt to subdue the robber. Instead, in the interest of safety, employees will comply with the robber’s demands. Training should emphasis that employees should only cooperate with the robber and should not offer any additional information, conversation, cash, or products. The goal of responding to an armed robbery should be to get the robber out of the business as quickly as possible.

Recovering from an Armed Robbery

Once the robber has left the premises, employees should be trained to lock all entry ways and call the police to report the armed robbery and any pertinent details. If the armed robbery resulted in any injuries, employees should be trained to alert emergency personnel of this fact and the status of those who have been injured. Employees should attempt to preserve the crime scene as much as possible until police arrive to prevent hindering the investigation.

Armed robberies are incredibly stressful events for everyone involved and can have long-term effects on the business. If frequent incidents occur at the business, the store could garnish a bad reputation in the community. Additionally, staff may no longer feel safe on the premises and may seek employment elsewhere. To prevent these negative effects, business owners should evaluate the store’s security plan and standard operating procedures to look for ways to improve the security at the facility. Business owners should also meet with their employees to provide additional training and as for employee’s input on the store’s security and safety measures.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of experts and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have written hundreds of Security Plans to prevent business robberies. In the event a robbery does occur, Sapphire Risk Advisory Group can conduct an after-robbery risk assessment to improve the facility’s security. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!