Protecting your business from robbery
What is suspicious
The word suspicious is scattered throughout these pages, but what does it mean? The Oxford English dictionary defines suspicious as:
- Having a feeling that someone has done something wrong.
- Seeming to be dishonest or dangerous a suspicious package.
- (also suspicious of) not able to trust someone or something.
What does this mean in and around your premises? There are some tell tale signs of suspicious behaviour. Please be aware that, alone, some of the examples may not be greatly suspicious, however, as more elements become apparent the more suspicious it becomes.
Suspicious Behaviour:
- Clothing: Dependant on the weather conditions, clothing can be a good indicator. People over-dressed during the warmer months, wearing long coats, gloves, scarves and hats, may be a good indication that someone is suspicious.
- Actions: ‘Customers’ who avoid eye contact or who look up at CCTV cameras are worth a second look. If a person is avoiding staff or appears to be concealing something under their clothing they may, again, be worth noting as suspicious. People watching your premises for extended periods of time. People remaining on your premises for extended periods without buying or looking at your goods or services.
- Questions: ‘Customers’ who ask questions relating to opening and closing times, lunch breaks and other unusual enquiries may raise your suspicions.
- Not your usual customer type: You will know your customers and have an idea of who uses your premises. People who stand out may be suspicious.
- Vehicles: Parked cars with people sitting in them. At opening and closing time be aware of any vehicles with occupants in the vicinity of your premises. When cars are parked they are normally left by their owners. If the occupants of the vehicle are watching you or your premises this should increase your suspicions. During the trading day be aware of activity around your premises, during lunch or coffee breaks, if leaving the premises, be aware of who may be watching you or your premises.
- Rule of thumb: If YOU think it is suspicious it is. Do something about it, record it in your incident book or call the local police or if it is an emergency always dial 999.