CrimeApr 05, 2021
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JSA Issues Refresher on What To Do During a Robbery
The reminder follows a frightening incident at a store in California.
The Jewelers Security Alliance advised jewelers to remain calm and cooperate fully in its latest guidance on what to do during a robbery.
New York—The Jewelers Security Alliance has issued guidance on what to do during a robbery following a recent theft in California.
The crux of the advice boils down to “do not resist and cooperate fully,” the organization said in an email to its members.
“The bottom line is to stay alive, don’t resist, and let your insurance cover the loss,” President John Kennedy said in a statement to National Jeweler.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind.
Follow directions.
Plain and simple, do as the robber says, advises JSA.
Keep quiet and still, unless told to do otherwise.
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Avoid saying or doing anything to anger the robber.
For example, staring at their face for too long may make it seem like you are trying to memorize facial features.
It’s helpful to rehearse with employees beforehand what they should do during a robbery.
“Being prepared may help prevent an employee from panicking and provoking violence,” said JSA.
Do not fight back.
Do not attempt to disarm the robber or reach for a weapon, JSA said.
Presume that the robber will shoot without hesitation.
Do not chase them or follow them out of the store.
It’s best to let them leave. The less time the robbers are in the store, the less risk there is of injury, said JSA.
Remain calm.
Though easier said than done, JSA advises victims of a robbery to remain calm.
“Expect to be threatened. One of the robber’s weapons is the fear he creates,” said JSA.
The robbery may force the jeweler and his staff into a back room, where they could be tied up or handcuffed, or made to get down on the floor.
As noted previously, the best course of action is to comply.
Contact the police.
It’s important to know when to call the police and what to do before they arrive.
If your store has a holdup alarm, do not press it until the robber has left and the door is locked. This is the time to call the police.
If the police arrive while the robber is still in the store, a hostage situation could arise.
Do not wipe or clean the cases or any other surfaces before the police arrive. You could destroy fingerprints or other important evidence.
Try to memorize the areas where the robbers touched and share that information with the police when they arrive.
If you are able, keep witnesses present until the police arrive. If not, write down their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
JSA recommends jewelers do not talk to the media or allow them to film around the store.
For more information, visit the Jewelers Security Alliance website.
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