Robbery Prevention Tips

Carjacking Awareness Tips

Dash Cam

Consider anti-theft devices; dash cams and GPS trackers.

Parking

Park in well-lit areas and near building access doors.

Car Keys

Have your keys/fob ready when attending your vehicle.

Awareness

Ensure you practice good situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings of any suspicious persons and/or vehicles following you or near you.

Lock Doors

Anytime you are in your vehicle whether you are driving, stopped, or parked make sure your vehicle doors are locked. If possible keep your windows rolled up as well.

Carjacking

If you’re approached, ensure you comply with demands, remain calm and don’t fight. Do not make any sudden movements and explain your actions to the carjacker.

Note as many physical descriptors of the suspects including, height, weight, gender, clothing, speech/accents and other vehicles they may have arrived in. Contact police as soon as possible and provide the last known direction of the vehicle.

If you are the victim of a carjacking call 9-1-1 immediately.

For other inquiries regarding carjackings contact:

Durham Regional Police Service Robbery Unit 905-579-1520 ext. 5355

Click below to download more information on how to protect yourself and your 24-Hour Business from robberies.

Money Handling:

  • Minimize the quantity of cash that is kept on site. Have a float of $20 to $50.
  • Consider only accepting debit/credit at night.
  • Post signs indicating, “Employees do not have access to safe. Minimal cash kept in register.”
  • Make use of a drop safe. When making deposits, have someone with you, stagger your delivery times and DO NOT carry cash in sight.
  • Businesses dealing in larger quantities of cash should consider the use of an armoured car service.

Lighting:

  • The interior, exterior, front and rear of a business should be well illuminated to deter potential robbers from hiding in shadows or poorly lit areas.

Video Equipment:

  • Ensure your business is equipped with a video surveillance system.
  • Ensure the police have access to your surveillance system. Help us help you! The quicker we get a description, the faster we can find your suspect.
  • Use multiple cameras to capture a clear view and close-ups of the exterior, front door, cash register and rear door.
  • It is important that a camera can capture a robber’s face.

Locking Doors:

  • Ensure that rear doors are always locked. Many robbers have entered businesses through unlocked rear doors.
  • Keep your employees safe! Consider a lock down system to keep them safe and prevent the suspect from returning.

During a Robbery

  • Remain calm and obey the robber’s commands.
  • Take note of the weapon and consider all to be real.
  • Do not confront or argue with the robber(s).
  • Note the following details: age, weight, height, clothing (gloves), tattoos or scars.

Durham Regional Police Service
605 Rossland Rd. E.,
Box 911, Whitby, ON
L1N 0B8
Phone: 905-579-1520
Toll Free: 1-888-579-1520
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