Robberies are a quick way for the criminal to make money. A Robbery or street robbery is when someone steals or takes anything of value from you against your will. A person commits the crime of robbery when he forcibly steals property and, in the course thereof, he, or another participant in the crime:
• Causes serious physical injury to any person; or
• Is armed with a deadly weapon; or
• Uses or threatens the immediate use of a dangerous instrument against any person; or
• Displays or threatens the use of what appears to be a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Protect yourself from street robbery Here are some useful ways to keep you and your property safe on the street.
- 1. Have a Plan. If you do not have a plan, you may panic or do something that causes the robber to panic and hurt you.
2. Stay with the crowd – there is safety in numbers.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, go to a crowded area.
4. Stay in lighted areas at night. The robbers do not want to be seen it is therefore important to walk in lighted areas at night
5. Look confident: You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Show confidence. Walk at a steady pace, keep your head up.
6. Do not look like an easy target. Robbers want someone who will provide the least resistance. If you look like you know where you are going, walk with your head up and eyes alert, you will most likely be left alone.
7. Avoid carrying lots of packages. It can make you look vulnerable and defenceless.
8. Know where you are going. Plan your route and consider what to take with you, especially if you are going somewhere, you have never been before.
9. Use/walk in busy, well-lit streets, walkways, and paths.
10. Prefer paths that are more likely to be covered by CCTV cameras.
11. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.
12. Hide it! Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you are using your phone, it is more likely to be snatched from your hand as you are not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.
13. Never leave a mobile phone, any other device, wallet, or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub, or restaurant.
14. When walking down the street in some areas or neighbourhoods, it is advisable to keep jewellery you are wearing covered.
15. Trust your instincts. If you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible. If you see someone you think may be up to no good, act. Make eye contact with them so they know you saw them. Move to the other side of the street or turn around. Get to a safe, well-lit location. If you think they might be following you or waiting for you, call the police or alert the neighbourhood watch or local patrollers.
16. Remain alert and observe the people around you. Know who is walking behind and in front of you. Things to watch for include suspicious persons or vehicles, people who are wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g., a long or heavy coat in warm weather), and people just loitering around.
17. Women should carry their wallet in their pocket, not their purse.
18. If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, like a football player carries a football.
19. Do not leave a purse on a counter or in a shopping cart /trolley unattended.
20. Do not carry large amounts of money.
21. Notify the police of strangers who are hanging around your home, apartment, or place of business for no apparent reason.
22. Be aware of people around you when you are using your automatic teller machine (ATM) card.
23. When possible, use an ATM that is located inside a business such as a grocery store or Shopping Complex.
24. If you are walking and a vehicle is following you, reverse directions or cross the street.
25. If someone acts suspiciously, looks at you closely, or follows you, head for bright lights and where there are people, and call the police.
26. Vary your routine – do not do the same thing at the same time every day. Do not use the same street/path every day.
27. Report suspicious activity. Even if the person does not approach you, if you believe they are suspicious, report it to the police. You may save someone else from being robbed.
28. Do not hesitate or be afraid to call the police. If you must ask yourself if you should call the police, you should call the police. If you think you might be at risk, the police are the ones who can get to you the fastest and help you. Even if you have been drinking, do not hesitate to call the police. Your safety is their priority.
If You Are Robbed:
• Remain calm. Follow their instructions and give them what they want. No money or property is worth risking your health or safety for. Do what you must to survive.
• Make personal safety the number one priority. Money and property can be replaced.
• Carefully observe the physical characteristics of the robber. Be a good witness. Note as much detail about the suspect(s) as possible (Age, race, height, facial hair, speech, clothing, smell, etc.).
• When it is safe, notify the police by calling 10111 or 911 in the United States.
• Police dispatch will ask for the location of the robbery, whether anyone is injured, the exact time the robber(s) left and their direction of travel, the kind of weapon used, description of the vehicle, the robber(s) description, their clothing, appearance or unique features, money or items taken and other information to assist responding officers.
• Protect the scene of the crime. Be careful not to touch anything to avoid destroying evidence.
• Ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they cannot stay, get their name, address, and phone number.
• Write down all suspect information immediately and do not discuss the robbery with others until question