DOVER, DELAWARE (12/11/2014) In the wake of three store robberies in the past week, Dover police are offering tips to businesses to avoid being the target of similar crimes:
- Control cash. Strong cash-handling policies along with good signage can greatly reduce rates of robbery. One study found that robbery rates drop by 80% when potential robbers know that there’s $50 or less in the cash register.
- Silent panic/holdup alarms and surveillance cameras protect employees in potentially violent robbery situations. They are not useful in preventing robberies but can help to reduce the impact of a robbery in process. Provide proper training on the usage of silent alarms so that employees know how to safely use them. Ensure that alarms and surveillance cameras are in good working order.
- Remove signage from windows. Visibility in and out of a convenience store plays an enormous role on the psychological comfort of the would-be robber. If robbers know they can be seen from the outside then the likelihood of a robbery falls. Keep your windows free and clear of any and all signage.
- Have two employees on duty during high-risk times. Having more than one employee on duty can reduce the risk of robbery. It’s vital that both are well-trained on violence reductio, as sometimes two employees are more likely to fight back against robbers.
- Provide adequate lighting, which has shown to reduce incidents of robbery. Be sure that faces in your parking lot are easily visible from the street. Be sure you’re not creating a glare that could reduce visibility. Strong, white lighting outside of your convenience store can also make your customers feel safer.