TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX)- Following a recent robbery of a Twin Falls restaurant the police have sent a letter to businesses with tips on avoiding a robbery and what to do in the event of one. 

The Twin Falls Police department shared the following:

Dear Twin Falls business owner or manager:

In light of the recent robbery of a local Subway restaurant, the Twin Falls Police Department would like to remind our local business and banking partners that they play a critical role in preventing future robberies. We ask that each business that receives this to consider using this information to train all of their employees in robbery prevention and response as soon as possible.

Robbery Prevention

It is commonly believed that most robbers will “stake out” or even enter a business prior to the actual robbery. Please consider the following:

-          Stay alert! Encourage your employees to know who is in your business and where they are. Watch for people who hang around without buying anything or appear to be studying your internal operation. Also, be aware of suspicious activity and people watching your building outside your place of business. Write down license numbers of suspicious vehicles if visible from the inside of your business.

-          Make sure your sales or customer service counter can be seen clearly. Don't put up advertisements, flyers, displays, signs, posters or other items on windows or doors that might obstruct the view of the register from inside or outside your business. Police officers driving by your store need to be able to see inside.

-          Try to greet customers as they enter your business. Look them in the eye, and ask them if they need help. Your prompt attention can discourage a robber.

-          If you see something suspicious, DO NOT HESTITATE to call the police. Never try to handle it yourself.

-          Handle cash carefully and out of the public view as much as possible. Avoid making your business a tempting target for robbers. Keep the amount of cash in registers low. Drop all large bills right away.

-          Keep your business well-lit, inside and outside. Employees should report any burned-out lights to the business owner or manager. Keep trees and bushes trimmed, so they don't block any outdoor lights.

-          Have at least two employees open and close the business and keep the exterior doors locked before and after you close.

-          Keep purses and personal valuables locked in desks or lockers.

-          If your business does not have one, please strongly consider installing a robbery alarm.

-          Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register facing the front counter. Replace videotapes regularly.

-          Vary times and routes of travel for bank deposits.

-          Don't use marked "moneybags" that make it obvious to would-be robbers you are carrying money for deposit.

-          Keep a low balance in the cash register.

-          Place excess money in a safe or deposit it as soon as possible.

-          Maintain tight control over keys and codes that are used to access your business. If you have former employees with keys to your business, strongly consider re-keying your locks.

Robbery Response

It is important that you train your employees how to react if your business is robbed. If you are robbed, it is vital that you put your safety and that of your employees first. Everyone’s personal well-being is far more important than any amount of money or merchandise. Also:

-          Cooperate with the robber(s) for your own safety and the safety of others. Comply with the robber's demands.

-          Try to remain calm and think clearly. Make mental notes of the robber's physical description and other observations important to law enforcement officers.

-          If you have a silent alarm and can reach it without being noticed, use it. Otherwise, wait until the robber leaves.

-          Be careful, most robbers are just as nervous as you are. Don't talk except to answer the robber's questions.

-          Don't stare directly at the robber. Prevent surprises and keep your hands in sight at all times. Don't make any sudden moves.

As indicated before, DO NOT HESTITATE to call the Twin Falls Police Department at 735-4357 or 311 (or 911 in an emergency) if you observe suspicious behavior around your business.  Please train your employees to trust their instincts, as they know what is normal and abnormal activity in your business, office or store.

 

Captain Matthew Hicks

Twin Falls Police Department

More From 95.7 KEZJ