Robbery Prevention for Cannabis Businesses

While robbery prevention is a vital part of any retailer’s operations, it is especially important for cannabis businesses. Since cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, cannabis business owners are often forced to store large amounts of cannabis and cash on-site. This can make a cannabis business a tempting target for a potential criminal if security is not prioritized.

Many state cannabis markets require robbery prevention measures as a part of their cannabis business regulations. Cannabis business owners should adhere to all robbery prevention regulations and, where possible, should exceed these security requirements. This not only ensures compliance, but aids in the success of the business.

Cannabis business owners should start by establishing written robbery prevention procedures to use in training employees and security personnel. These standard operating procedures should detail how to prevent and prepare for a robbery, what to do during a robbery, and what to do after a cannabis business robbery.

How to Prevent and Prepare for a Cannabis Business Robbery

Though it is impossible to prevent all robberies, there are methods to discourage crime and robberies on the premises. These include:

Ensure at least two employees are on-site from opening until closing.
Provide excellent customer service. This makes it harder and slower for a potential robber to reach cash or merchandise in the store and increases the likelihood of apprehension.
Ensure the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of a video surveillance system and alarm system to monitor the premises 24/7.
Practice secure storage procedures, including storing cannabis and cash in the safe or vault overnight.
Implement an access control system and procedures to keep unauthorized persons out of restricted areas.
Train new employees on robbery awareness procedures and repeat this training annually.
Ensure the premises is maintained and that trash and graffiti are removed from the property daily. This prevents the business from attracting crime since properties that appear neglected often become targets for criminals.
Ensure the entire property, including the parking lot and interior of the business, is well lit during hours of darkness.

What to do During a Cannabis Business Robbery

Though cannabis business owners should make every effort to prevent and prepare for robberies, cannabis business robberies may still occur. If a robbery does occur, cannabis business employees should be trained to do the following:

Cooperate with the robber – the goal is to get the robber out of the business as quickly as possible. Cooperate by doing what the robber asks, but no more.
Remain calm at all times – avoid sudden or unexpected movements or loud noises. Try not to startle the robber, especially if they are armed.
Avoid confrontation with the robber – do not try to be a hero. The lives of employees should be prioritized over products or cash which can be replaced.
Remember as much as possible – details about the robber, such as facial features or vehicle description, could be valuable in law enforcement’s investigation.

What to do After a Cannabis Business Robbery

In the event that the cannabis business does experience a robbery, employees should be trained to do the following:

Lock the door
Notify the police
Preserve the crime scene

The long-term effects of a robbery are harder to gauge and may include losses that exceed items taken in the robbery. After a robbery, some businesses lose employees or customers, and it can be difficult for a business to recover. After a robbery, cannabis business owners should assure their employees and their community that the business has high security standards and is making every effort to ensure public safety.

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 cannabis 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!