Heads Up Really Helps During Hands Up Situation

No one knows how they will react in the event of a robbery. But you can help keep your people and business safe through staff training and reviews that drill in instinctive responses. This will help to ensure safety and reduce chaos.

During a Robbery

• The golden rule: stay calm, give the thief what he wants, do as he says and get him out of the building as quickly as possible.
• Retain the hold-up note for evidence by pushing it aside. Do not handle it.
• Your eyes are your weapon. Look for distinguishing scars, tattoos, rings, clothing, etc.
  Note height in relation to a nearby item (ideally, install a height strip on door frames). Watch for a getaway car or the direction and means of escape.
• Push the alarm button only when it is safe to do so.

After the Robbery

• Yell to other staff that you have been robbed. Lock all doors immediately so the thief can't get back to take hostages.
• Call the police at once and use the hold-up alarm button as back-up.
• Calmly regain control to reduce chaos and focus employees on recovery and learned procedures.
• Protect the crime scene. Don't touch or move anything, especially cameras, as this may provide key evidence.
• End business for the day. Police will be investigating, staff need time to recover and losses have to be determined.
• Have all witnesses fill out description forms independently and confidentially.
• Make witnesses stay until police can interview them. The person you let leave could be an accomplice.
• Arrange for witnesses to be accompanied home and ensure they are not left alone.
• Call in a crisis response team for immediate support if required. Set up trauma counseling for all witnesses and family members within 10 days.

Broker Advantage Insurance brokers also assist their clients with managing their risk, and can recommend ways to reduce risk. Find a broker here.