|
 Looking
for answers to OSHA Questions? Check out our OSHA Center!
| |
Robbery Prevention Tips
Because of several robbery prevention studies conducted by both private
companies and governmental agencies, we now have a better understanding of how
criminals choose their targets. According to most of these studies, the top
deterrents to robbery are:
- Clear windows to increase visibility from the street. When passers-by can
see what is happening inside, there is a greater risk to the robber.
- Good lighting of all areas of the parking lot and around the building.
This will eliminate places where people can hide and will permit others to
"see what's happening."
- Use of a drop-safe so that there is never more than $50 cash in the
drawer. Drop safes don't have to be large or expensive and are easy to
install.
- Posted signs about low cash on hand. Let the criminals know that they
won't get much and it's not worth the risk!
- Trained employees on prevention and response procedures. Establish a
robbery prevention checklist and include regular training for all staff
members. Include directions to cooperate (do not resist) with any person who
threatens personal harm.
- A surveillance camera that is visible in the reception/waiting area.
- Controlled access for the public with
automatically locking doors. Simply using "one-way" doors between the
reception/waiting room and the rest of the hospital can give the staff extra
time to summon help if someone becomes hostile or threatening.
- Making sure the "employee entrance" door is locked at all times. Many
practices have found that installing a "keyless" entry system like the one
pictured here not only alleviates the locked door problem, but also makes it
easy when staff members leave - you don't have to change locks; you just
change the combination.
Click here to view our "Suggested Sources Sheet"
for keyless locks.
- Use of an electronic alarm system with a "panic button" feature to summon
assistance quickly. Most alarm monitoring companies provide continual
protection for a very modest fee.
- Removal of cash from the drawer at night and leaving the drawer open.
- Counting cash away from front desk and windows.
- Specific security issues when employees must work alone. According to
every study thus far, businesses with a single employee on duty were most at
risk of robbery. Establish "accountability" routines when a staff member has
to go to the practice for emergencies or other business during non-operational
hours.
- Installation of peep holes or small windows in exterior doors so that the
staff can see outside before opening the door.
- Storage of money (including checks and credit card slips) in a secure safe
awaiting deposits. Deposits should be made daily to keep the amount of monies
on hand to the minimum necessary for operations.
- No one action alone will deter crime, but by
combining all of these elements into a prevention program, the business
becomes a less inviting target for the planned crime.
Perhaps the best way to "crime-proof" the practice
is to consult the local police. Most police departments have a crime prevention
unit with the sole purpose of providing advice about security, crime prevention
and personal safety. The best part of that service is that it's usually free!
Back to Violence Prevention Page
Back to OSHA Questions
The information on these pages is excerpted from
The Veterinary Safety & Health Digest,
Copyright 2001 Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced for distribution without prior
permission from the publisher. |
Send us a message or request information