Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

What to do during an Armed Robbery 

A few weeks ago, members of my family were involved in an armed robbery at a Flea market involving shots being fired from a handgun.  One person was seriously injured when they attempted to "capture" the gunman.

When an armed robbery takes place at a retail location or bank, the likelihood of the incident turning violent, resulting in injuries to personnel and customers, can be effectively reduced by the behaviour of the staff and customers.

Here are some Tips that my research uncovered.

Try to stay calm.

  • Regulate your breathing, taking long, slow deliberate breaths.  This slows your heart rate and helps you relax.

Stand still and keep your hands where the Robber can see them

  • Don't make any sudden movements to upset the robber.
  • If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.
  • Do everything very slowly as not to startle the robber.
  • When to want to do something-even if it is a direct instruction from the robber- tell them exactly what you are doing. 

Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST!

  • Do only what the Robber says, when they say to do it.
  • Be polite and mannerly towards the Robber.
  • Appear submissive and compliant

Activate your alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly without the robbers seeing you.

  • Many armed robberies have turned violent because the siren puts the robbers into a panic.
  • Setting an alarm can trigger a violent response

Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.

Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.

  • Don't look the robber directly in the face. The robber may believe that you are trying to memorise his features for later identification.
  • Don’t make it obvious that you are observing them
  • Remember any names used by the robbers when they were talking to each other
  • Make a mental note of the robber's appearance ( hair, height, weight, race, age, sex, tattoos, speech patterns, scars
  • Make a note of anything that the robber touches

Don't be a hero.

  • It's better to lose your money than your life.
  • Give up your possessions. Don't give up your life.
  • Do not attempt to follow or chase the robber.
  • Give the robber time to leave. 

Don’t attempt to prevent the robbers’ get-away.

  • Do not stall to prolong the Robber's stay.
  • The sooner they leave, the safer you are.
  • Note his direction of travel when he leaves.

Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.

  • Make and model
  • Colour
  • Noticeable features
  • Registration number

Notify the Police as soon as possible

  • Seek medical aid as required
  • Strongly consider Crisis Counselling

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