How to Prevent a Robbery

No matter where you are, robberies are a really scary prospect to consider. There’s no need to stress! While you can’t predict when this type of crime will occur, there are plenty of ways to take the target off yourself, your workplace, and your home.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

On the Go

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    Walk with confidence and purpose. Potential robbers might be deterred if you move at a brisk pace and keep your head up. If you seem distracted or preoccupied, you’ll look like an easier target.[1]
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    Hold your keys as you walk. Grip your keys between your thumb and pointer finger—this gives you an easy line of defense if someone attacks you.[2] This way, you can also enter your car as quickly as possible.[3]
    • Check the backseat of your car before climbing in the vehicle. If you suspect someone’s broken into your car, call the authorities right away.
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    Travel with a buddy. Robbers are much less likely to approach you if you’re walking with someone else. If possible, ask a friend, loved one, co-worker, or acquaintance to walk with you, so you won’t be as much of a target.[4]
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    Stay in well-lit areas. Don’t cut through any alleys, side streets, or other dark areas where you’re more likely to be taken by surprise.[5]
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    Watch for any suspicious behavior around you. Keep your wits about you, and take note of your surroundings and all the people nearby. Pay attention to the people nearby, and watch for any suspicious behavior.[6]
    • For instance, someone wearing a ski mask would look very suspicious.
    • Don’t wear headphones when you’re walking outside by yourself. This makes it harder to tune into your surroundings.
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    Stay on the sidewalk if you can. As you walk, shift closer to the curb. This way, you’re less likely to be ambushed by a potential robber who could be hiding nearby.[7]
    • Bushes and open doorways are easy, effective hiding places for robbers.
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    Head to a busy area if you suspect you’re being followed. Always follow your gut—if you think someone sketchy is tailing you, head to a crowded area. A criminal likely won’t strike when they’re surrounded by potential witnesses.[8]
    • Don’t hesitate to call the police if you think you’re being followed. Your personal safety always comes first!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

At Your Business

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    Arrange surveillance cameras near the cash register. Most robbers won’t want to risk getting caught on camera. If a criminal chooses to target your business anyway, a carefully-positioned surveillance camera gives you a close look at the perpetrator.[9]
    • Signs like “you’re on camera” or “this building is under surveillance” may also deter robbers.
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    Keep the counters and windows visible. Don’t hang up too many posters or fliers on the outdoor windows—instead, give a clear, two-way view in and out of the business. Additionally, clear off any signs, plants, displays, or other clutter from the countertops that could block visibility into the store.[10]
    • If there’s a lot of visibility within your business, robbers may not risk entering and being seen by possible witnesses.
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    Transfer all money to a locked safe. Don’t leave a lot of extra cash lying around, or use bags that are clearly marked as “moneybags.” Instead, move your money to a locked safe, so robbers won’t be able to steal it.[11]
    • As an extra precaution, deposit your money in the bank, instead.
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    Team up with another employee if you’re opening or closing. Robbers may stay away if they see more than 1 person at the business at once. If you’re the manager or owner, always assign at least 2 people to open and close the business throughout the week.[12]
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    Welcome every person who enters the business. Let each customer or guest know that you notice them, and that you know what they look like. Direct conversation and eye contact may dissuade a potential robber from targeting your business.[13]
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    Call the police if you notice anything suspicious. Always listen to your gut—if something looks suspicious, let authorities know so they can check it. It’s better to act on a false hunch than be caught by surprise.[14]
    • For instance, if you see a suspicious person loitering around your person, report them to the local police.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

At Home

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    Lock your doors and windows.[15] Not all burglars take the front door—some will check the windows for a possible entry point. To be safe, keep your windows and doors locked at all times.[16]
    • Avoid hiding a spare key near or around your doorstep—an experienced robber can find it easily.
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    Install an alarm system.[17] While an alarm system won’t guarantee your safety, it will definitely scare off potential robbers.[18] Take a look online—there are plenty of home security systems on the market that won’t break the bank.[19]
    • Ring, Abode, SimpliSafe, Blue by ADT, and Cove all cost less than $250.
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    Place bars, security film, or safety glass over easy-to-access windows. Check around your home for easy entry points, like ground-level, basement, or garage windows. Install bars, extra-strong glass, or film over these windows—this will make it a lot harder for a robber to break in.[20]
    • Security film goes over your windows, and makes it harder for robbers to break into your home.
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    Leave the lights when you leave your home.[21] Robbers aren’t as likely to target properties with a lot of lights on—instead, they’ll focus on dark homes. Keep your lights on within your home, and switch on your porch lights overnight.[22]
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    Set up motion sensor lights outside your home. Place these lights strategically around your property. If a robber steps near these sensors, a bright light will flash in their direction, which may deter them from further hijinks.[23]
    • You can pick up motion sensor lights at your local home improvement store.
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    Trim any tall shrubs or bushes around your property. Overgrown shrubbery is a great hiding place for a robber. To prevent any unwanted surprises, keep your home landscaping trimmed down, so you can always see what’s going on outside.[24]
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    Don’t let any strangers into your home. Some robbers will ask to use your phone so they can enter your home. If someone shows up at your door and makes this request, offer to place the call while the stranger waits outside.[25]
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    Are there things I can do to deter a possible robbery at my house?
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
    Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You can invest in proximity alarms, cameras, and even fake cameras with red lights that don't do anything but deter potential burglars. There's also things like leaving your car in the driveway when you're not home, leaving your lights on, and having a dog.
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Warnings

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.baltimorepolice.org/community/robbery-prevention-tips
  2. ↑ https://www.camdencounty.com/service/public-safety/safety-tips-driving-alone/
  3. ↑ https://www.safety.pitt.edu/tips-safer-campus
  4. ↑ https://www.libertymissouri.gov/2594/Robbery-Prevention-Tips
  5. ↑ https://www.indy.gov/activity/personal-safety-when-walking
  6. ↑ https://www.baltimorepolice.org/community/robbery-prevention-tips
  7. ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/guarding-against-robbery-and-assault
  8. ↑ https://www.libertymissouri.gov/2594/Robbery-Prevention-Tips
  9. ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
  1. ↑ https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/preventingpharmacyrobberies.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
  3. ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
  4. ↑ https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/31555
  5. ↑ https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/31555
  6. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
  7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ways-you-may-be-inviting-burglars-into-your-home-51282
  8. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
  9. ↑ https://www.slmpd.org/crime_prevention.shtml
  10. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/home-security/cheap-home-security-systems
  11. ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/burglary-prevention
  12. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
  13. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ways-you-may-be-inviting-burglars-into-your-home-51282
  14. ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/burglary-prevention
  15. ↑ https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/burglary-prevention
  16. ↑ https://www.cityoflaurel.org/police/community-info/safety-tips
  17. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
  18. ↑ https://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/8820
  19. ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/guarding-against-robbery-and-assault
  20. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
  21. ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/guarding-against-robbery-and-assault
  22. ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/guarding-against-robbery-and-assault
  23. ↑ https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/guarding-against-robbery-and-assault
  24. ↑ https://www.cityoflaurel.org/police/community-info/safety-tips
  25. ↑ https://www.baltimorepolice.org/community/robbery-prevention-tips

About This Article

Saul Jaeger, MS
Co-authored by:
Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
This article was co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. This article has been viewed 250,523 times.
40 votes - 51%
Co-authors: 52
Updated: September 7, 2021
Views: 250,523
Categories: Law Enforcement | Home Security
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