Retail Safety In Robbery Occurances

The main concern in the event of theft or robbery is safety. You, your employees and your customers should be the focal point in the safety procedures. Money and merchandise taken during a robbery can be replaced, people can’t; this is why there is insurance.

The chances of shoplifting increase when you work alone. If you think someone is shoplifting contact your emergency phone contact; this can be security or someone professionally trained to deal with the situation. Never approach or try to apprehend shoplifters, especially if you are working alone. After the shoplifter leaves, write down as much information about them as possible. This should include the shoplifter’s height, weight, hair and skin color, race, and clothing as well as possibly vehicle make, color, approximate year, and plate number.

The best way to prevent injury resulting from robbery is to prevent the robbery from happening in the first place. Safety procedures are put in place to prepare, be aware, and how to react to dangers. Some businesses have security staff or service and specific instructions for dealing with robbery, but others may not. Here are some tips to help protect you, your employees, your customers, and your business:
The store should be kept clean and well-lit.
Posters or signs should not block the area around the register from view.
If possible, workers should be able to see out and customers and police should be able to see in.
Make a cash drop or safety deposit box available.
Post signs advising that “Minimum cash is kept on premises.”
Operate only one register from late at night through early morning.
When there are no customers at your sales counter or check out, keep busy by cleaning, dusting, sweeping, etc.
Get away from the sales counter when there are no customers in the store.
Be aware of cars parked across the street or off to one side of the lot.
Look for anyone who may be watching the store or loitering in or around it.
If you are concerned about a person or vehicle, do not hesitate to contact your supervisor or the appropriate authorities.
Know the location of phones or available help outside the premises-keep emergency numbers handy.
Give a friendly greeting to everyone who enters the store.
When a shopper does enter the store, act friendly, and briefly look directly into their eyes. Connect with potential customers.
Ask customers if they would like any help.
Ask customers for exact change or the smallest bills possible.

If the worst does happen and a robbery occurs, you should have specific instructions for dealing with robberies. If not, the following tips may be helpful:
Keep the robbery short; the longer it takes the more nervous the robber becomes. Give them what they want.
Stay calm and handle the entire situation as if you were making a sale to a customer.
Let the robber know you intend to cooperate with them; just give them the cash and merchandise they ask for and do exactly as they say. If you are not sure what the robber wants, ask.
Tell the robber beforehand if you must reach for something or move in any way; tell them if another employee is in the back room so they are not surprised.
Do not try to stop the robber. If you don’t see a weapon, don’t assume the robber does have one.
Don’t try to chase the robber, it will end in violence and it may confuse the police coming to the scene; they might think you are the robber.
Dial 911 or your local emergency number once the robbery is over and everyone is safe.

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

Brent Bowlin is a health and safety researcher who has helped businesses in implementing safety programs. For help contact him at abbsafetynet@gmail.com and for safety supplies go to www.safetysuppliescanada.com, they deliver anywhere.
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