Province

How to avoid being abducted

Speak softly, give them what they want, and carry a big stick.

OK, this is a deviation from former U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt's charge, but his sage advice can reduce the risk if someone tries to hold up your store or abduct you.

It's impossible to relate to the terror filled plight of abducted Surrey tanning studio manager Melanie Carpenter, but here are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of something similar happening to you.

The keys to personal safety are to be aware of your customer's actions and not to dismiss your "gut" reactions; they can serve you well in a tight situation.

It does help to use non threatening verbal and body language in a bid to prevent the ihctdent from escalating.

Also, going along with the bandit's requests (within reason) can reduce the threat of violence

Even if several people are in the store at one time, mirrors, video cameras and an awareness of your surroundings will enable you to manage security and sales simultaneously.

The more employees are trainecLand scenarios are practised, the less likelihood an assault, robbery and/or injuries will occur.

A survey of your business neighborhood is the first step in ensuring a safe work environment.

Arrange with your immediate business colleagues a crime prevention program, much like the process for Neighborhood Watch in that you look out for one another. Workers share the same goals and objectives for their safety, so a safe work environment is possible with practice and camaraderie.

Firstly, examine your work environment. What and where are your escape routes in case of an assault or a fire?

You need a back door that is readily accessible.

Equip the door with an effective locking mechanism that provides both security and a quick escape.

The best scenario is to have an emergency programmed phone and an escape route behind the counter, with another door between the counter and the door to the street. Put a deadbolt on this door.

The first door acts as your safe room. Should you be threatened, you could rush to the first door, deadbolt it behind you, call 911 and either stay there move to a storage room that is also deadbolted, or exit out a street door.

If you have a monitored security service in the customer area, locate the panicbuttons unobtruslvely and at hip or knee level. These buttons should be strategically placed at various undetectable locations throughout the store so that in the case of a robbery, a clerk can simply brush against a button and help is on its way.

If your business processes a great deal of cash, you might consider a floor safe that enables staff to slip bills into a slot while maintaining a timed. opening device.

Many gas stations have adopted a policy of accepting only credit cards after ascertain hour. Video cameras that record continuously are also an option. Not too many thieves want to be apprehended, so if the option is available to rob without surveillance rather than one with it, they'll take the former.

What of personal safety devices?

One item that needs mentioning is dog repellent (pepper spray), which is available in most hardware or sporting goods stores. There are some that fit in the palm of your hand and in a pocket.

The spray acts as a deterrent and buys time while you escape to a predetermined safe spot or into your back room with the bolted door. The key to the use of this device is practice and secrecy.

Avoid leaving yourself vulnerable to being tied up, to being forced to leave the premises or to being locked in a closet or the trunk of a vehicle.

Most criminals using a firearm to commit a felony are lousy shots. If someone is pointing a gun at you from 15 feet away your chances of escaping. unscathed to a back room or through a back door are excellent.

Effective personal safety techniques can be learned.

When you become aware and make personal safety a No. 1 priority you will be better prepared to handle tricky situations.

It's your life.