How to React During a Robbery

If you ever work in any kind of fast food or convenience store type job, you know that sooner or later there's a good chance you're going to be robbed. Here's how to keep yourself as safe as possible when that moment comes.

Cooperate ~

First and foremost remember it's just a job. No matter what your boss may have told you about protecting the company or its assets, remember that only you are irreplaceable. If a robber tells you that he will kill you if you don't give up the money in the cash register, give him the money. Don't pretend there's a time lock or tell him that only the manager has the keys. Just open the drawer and hand it over. Statistically, robbers who are given what they want right away will generally not injure anyone.

Hands in Sight ~

Keep your hands where the robber can see them at all times. The robber is already nervous and worried about how you are going to react. Don't make him any jumpier by leaving any questions to what you are doing with your hands. You don't have to hold them straight up in the air like the movies but keep them at least chest high, palms open, and out in front of you so that the robber has an opportunity to see that you are not doing anything or holding anything that can harm him. Remember, not all robbers are murderers too. As long as you don't threaten him there's a good chance he'll just take the money and leave without hurting you.

Talk and Move Slowly ~

Your robber is nervous. Don't make it worse by making any sudden movements that he would have to react to. If he asks you a question, answer it as simply and as plainly as possible. Don't get into an argument. Don't make suggestions or try to bargain. Just answer direct questions, move slowly in any direction that you're ordered to, and try to get through it without any additional conflict.

No Eye Contact ~

In general, eye contact can be taken as a challenge. During the adrenaline rush, in something like a robbery, there is a good chance that your robber is trying very hard to feel like he's in control of the situation. Making eye contact with him can unconsciously give him a signal that you're trying to challenge his authority of the situation. You don't want to do that. Focus your eyes at about your robber's chest level so that you're facing him while you talk but don't look him directly in the eye or do anything else that might be considered challenging behavior.

Follow Orders ~

In his mind, your robber has probably already gone through what he expects to happen during the robbery. He's calling the shots. He'll be telling you what to do. Don't interrupt his plan or throw him off his stride by trying to alter his plan suddenly. Remember that his plan includes him leaving safely at the end. If you let him get through all the other steps of his plan, he'll eventually reach that last step and simply leave.

As long as you remain calm and cooperative and don't do anything to challenge your robber, there's a good chance that they will leave with only the money and without injuring you or any of the other staff.

Please click on the author's name (above the article) to read more of her work on Associated Content.