MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The KwaNonqaba Police have provided advice on how to prevent a robbery at your business and how to survive a robbery.
- Install surveillance cameras strategically and implement some form of entry and exit control. Make sure persons can be clearly identified by the cameras as the video footage assists the police with their investigation.
- Keep the premises well illuminated, both inside and out. Take special precautionary measures at opening and closing times. Ensure that 20 or more staff members can be present when the premises is being locked or unlocked.
- Place panic buttons in strategic areas of your store, such as in the cash office or strong room.
The likelihood of an armed robbery turning violent at places like a shopping centre, store, warehouse, factory or distribution centre, which may result in injuries to personnel and customer, can be effectively reduced by the behaviour of the victims:
- Do not resist the robbers. Do exactly as you are told. The robbers are in control of the situation because they are armed, and it serves no purpose to resist their instructions. You will only be putting lives at risk.
- Remain calm. Regulate your breathing, taking long, slow, deliberate breaths. This slows your heart rate and helps you relax.
- Speak slowly. Don't shout or raise your voice to the robbers. They are probably more nervous than you and it won't take much for them to lose self control.
- Don't make any sudden movements. When you want to do something - even if it is upon instruction from the robber, tell them what you are doing. For example: "I am going to take the keys out of my pocket now," and then proceed slowly.
- Don't set off the siren. Activate any alarms only if you can do so secretly and without being seen. Many armed robberies have turned violent, with hostages taken, because the audible siren puts the robbers into a panic.
- Don't look the robbers directly in the face. They may believe you are trying to memorise their features for later identification and this could lead to a violent reaction.
- Give the robbers time to leave. Don't shout or do anything else until the robbers have left the premises.
- Don't try to be a hero. Don't attempt to prevent the robbers' getaway. Many armed robberies have turned violent as the robbers are leaving, resulting in deaths and injuries to staff and customers.
To report any incidents, call the the KwaNonqaba Police Station (044 606 5617/06).
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