Be ready for the unexpected
Think Twice
Always do as the intruder
commands, and never attempt heroics. He or she could be carrying a weapon. The
consequences of you attacking the intruder can cause you life-threatening injury,
legal trouble and even the loss of your job.
Restaurants are particularly vulnerable to robbery, burglary and theft.
As restaurants typically accumulate a large amount of cash, it makes them
attractive targets of criminal activity. A criminal also looks for
establishments with late-night hours and easy entry or escape.
If you are working in a restaurant, you need to be prepared to deal with
restaurant crime. That’s why it is important for you to prepare now so that in
the event that the unexpected happens, you will be able to stay calm and react
quickly.
Preventing Theft
The best way to deal with the threat of theft is prevention. Some ways to
discourage thieves from attempting their crime are as follows:
·
Greet and make eye contact with every person
that enters.
·
If you see suspicious behavior in any area,
courteously ask the person if they need assistance.
·
Always show that you are alert and aware of all
customer activity by actively moving around the area.
·
During daily operations, cash registers should
be inspected regularly to prevent cash buildup above the minimum amount needed.
·
The rear door leading to the trash or waste
containers should never be propped open. Always keep back doors locked.
·
Be aware of and report any strange behavior to
your shift manager, such as someone loitering on the premises.
General Guidelines
·
If you witness someone attempting to steal
something, do not run after the person or try to intervene. Attacking the
person could mean harm to you.
·
In the event of a robbery, do as the intruder
commands. Speak slowly and calmly to intruders, and don’t make sudden or
unexpected moves.
·
Study the suspect carefully, noting facial
features, height, clothing, etc.
·
Do not follow the thief outside. The possibility
of causing harm to innocent bystanders escalates in this situation.
·
Call the police and notify your manager of the
situation as soon as possible.
·
If an intruder threatens you, comply with all of
his or her demands. Your well-being is much more important than anything that
[C_Officialname] might lose.
Know Who to Contact
·
The phone numbers of local authorities are listed
near all phones on the premises for quick access.
·
Call the police as soon as possible, preserving
any evidence left at the scene by the suspects, such as robbery note, objects
handled, etc.
