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No matter where you are, robberies are a really scary prospect to consider. There’s no need to stress! While you can’t predict when this type of crime will occur, there are plenty of ways to take the target off yourself, your workplace, and your home.
Steps
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Walk with confidence and purpose. Potential robbers might be deterred if you move at a brisk pace and keep your head up. If you seem distracted or preoccupied, you’ll look like an easier target. [1] X Research source
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Hold your keys as you walk. Grip your keys between your thumb and pointer finger—this gives you an easy line of defense if someone attacks you. [2] X Research source This way, you can also enter your car as quickly as possible. [3] X Research source
- Check the backseat of your car before climbing in the vehicle. If you suspect someone’s broken into your car, call the authorities right away.
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Travel with a buddy. Robbers are much less likely to approach you if you’re walking with someone else. If possible, ask a friend, loved one, co-worker, or acquaintance to walk with you, so you won’t be as much of a target. [4] X Research source
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Stay in well-lit areas. Don’t cut through any alleys, side streets, or other dark areas where you’re more likely to be taken by surprise.
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Watch for any suspicious behavior around you. Keep your wits about you, and take note of your surroundings and all the people nearby. Pay attention to the people nearby, and watch for any suspicious behavior. [5] X Research source
- For instance, someone wearing a ski mask would look very suspicious.
- Don’t wear headphones when you’re walking outside by yourself. This makes it harder to tune into your surroundings.
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Stay on the sidewalk if you can. As you walk, shift closer to the curb. This way, you’re less likely to be ambushed by a potential robber who could be hiding nearby. [6] X Research source
- Bushes and open doorways are easy, effective hiding places for robbers.
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Head to a busy area if you suspect you’re being followed. Always follow your gut—if you think someone sketchy is tailing you, head to a crowded area. A criminal likely won’t strike when they’re surrounded by potential witnesses. [7] X Research source
- Don’t hesitate to call the police if you think you’re being followed. Your personal safety always comes first!
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Arrange surveillance cameras near the cash register. Most robbers won’t want to risk getting caught on camera. If a criminal chooses to target your business anyway, a carefully-positioned surveillance camera gives you a close look at the perpetrator. [8] X Research source
- Signs like “you’re on camera” or “this building is under surveillance” may also deter robbers.
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Keep the counters and windows visible. Don’t hang up too many posters or fliers on the outdoor windows—instead, give a clear, two-way view in and out of the business. Additionally, clear off any signs, plants, displays, or other clutter from the countertops that could block visibility into the store.
- If there’s a lot of visibility within your business, robbers may not risk entering and being seen by possible witnesses.
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Transfer all money to a locked safe. Don’t leave a lot of extra cash lying around, or use bags that are clearly marked as “moneybags.” Instead, move your money to a locked safe, so robbers won’t be able to steal it. [9] X Research source
- As an extra precaution, deposit your money in the bank, instead.
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Team up with another employee if you’re opening or closing. Robbers may stay away if they see more than 1 person at the business at once. If you’re the manager or owner, always assign at least 2 people to open and close the business throughout the week. [10] X Research source
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Welcome every person who enters the business. Let each customer or guest know that you notice them, and that you know what they look like. Direct conversation and eye contact may dissuade a potential robber from targeting your business. [11] X Research source
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Call the police if you notice anything suspicious. Always listen to your gut—if something looks suspicious, let authorities know so they can check it. It’s better to act on a false hunch than be caught by surprise. [12] X Research source
- For instance, if you see a suspicious person loitering around your person, report them to the local police.
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Lock your doors and windows. [13] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020. Not all burglars take the front door—some will check the windows for a possible entry point. To be safe, keep your windows and doors locked at all times. [14] X Research source- Avoid hiding a spare key near or around your doorstep—an experienced robber can find it easily.
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Install an alarm system. [15] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020. While an alarm system won’t guarantee your safety, it will definitely scare off potential robbers. [16] X Research source Take a look online—there are plenty of home security systems on the market that won’t break the bank. [17] X Research source- Ring, Abode, SimpliSafe, Blue by ADT, and Cove all cost less than $250.
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Place bars, security film, or safety glass over easy-to-access windows. Check around your home for easy entry points, like ground-level, basement, or garage windows. Install bars, extra-strong glass, or film over these windows—this will make it a lot harder for a robber to break in. [18] X Research source
- Security film goes over your windows, and makes it harder for robbers to break into your home.
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Leave the lights when you leave your home. [19] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020. Robbers aren’t as likely to target properties with a lot of lights on—instead, they’ll focus on dark homes. Keep your lights on within your home, and switch on your porch lights overnight. [20] X Research source -
Set up motion sensor lights outside your home. Place these lights strategically around your property. If a robber steps near these sensors, a bright light will flash in their direction, which may deter them from further hijinks. [21] X Research source
- You can pick up motion sensor lights at your local home improvement store.
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Trim any tall shrubs or bushes around your property. Overgrown shrubbery is a great hiding place for a robber. To prevent any unwanted surprises, keep your home landscaping trimmed down, so you can always see what’s going on outside. [22] X Research source
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Don’t let any strangers into your home. Some robbers will ask to use your phone so they can enter your home. If someone shows up at your door and makes this request, offer to place the call while the stranger waits outside. [23] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionAre there things I can do to deter a possible robbery at my house?Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.You can invest in proximity alarms, cameras, and even fake cameras with red lights that don't do anything but deter potential burglars. There's also things like leaving your car in the driveway when you're not home, leaving your lights on, and having a dog.
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Tips
- Stay aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood. If you notice workers or contractors nearby, hide any noticeable equipment or valuables around your home. [24] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.Thanks - Post deterring signs around your business, like “Staff Cannot Open the Time Lock Safe.” This might discourage a robber from stopping by. [25] X Research sourceThanks
- Wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in. Should you be approached by a robber, comfy, breathable clothes will give you a better chance to escape. [26] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Call the police immediately if someone breaks in while you’re at home. [27] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.Thanks - If you’re attacked, put your own safety first and comply with the robber’s demands. Once the attacker is gone, call the police. [28] X Research sourceThanks
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- Don’t use ATMs at night. If you really need to make a purchase, use your debit or credit card instead. [31] X Research sourceThanks
- Never show off your cash or belongings when you’re in a group. This could make you a potential target for nearby robbers. [32] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.baltimorepolice.org/community/robbery-prevention-tips
- ↑ https://www.camdencounty.com/service/public-safety/safety-tips-driving-alone/
- ↑ https://www.safety.pitt.edu/tips-safer-campus
- ↑ https://www.libertymissouri.gov/2594/Robbery-Prevention-Tips
- ↑ https://www.baltimorepolice.org/community/robbery-prevention-tips
- ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/publication/attachments/robbery_assault.pdf
- ↑ https://www.libertymissouri.gov/2594/Robbery-Prevention-Tips
- ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
- ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
- ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
- ↑ https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/31555
- ↑ https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/31555
- ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ways-you-may-be-inviting-burglars-into-your-home-51282
- ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.slmpd.org/crime_prevention.shtml
- ↑ https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/home-security/cheap-home-security-systems
- ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/burglary-prevention
- ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ways-you-may-be-inviting-burglars-into-your-home-51282
- ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/burglary-prevention
- ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/burglary-prevention
- ↑ https://www.cityoflaurel.org/352/Safety-Tips
- ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
- ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/publication/attachments/robbery_assault.pdf
- ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
- ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/publication/attachments/robbery_assault.pdf
- ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/publication/attachments/robbery_assault.pdf
- ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mpdc/publication/attachments/robbery_assault.pdf
- ↑ https://www.cityoflaurel.org/352/Safety-Tips
- ↑ https://www.baltimorepolice.org/community/robbery-prevention-tips
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