The Niagara Region is one of the safest places in the world.  To help make it even safer, we offer the following information on what to do if you're held up.  Following our suggestions won't completely protect you, but it will help reduce your risk.

If You Were Held Up, Would You Know What To Do?

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE! Don't attempt fighting with an armed robber.  REMEMBER:  Your safety comes first! REMAIN CALM Robbers are usually very tense and easily provoked.   Sometimes they are under the influence of drugs and are very unpredictable. IF YOU ARE FACING A WEAPON If you are facing a weapon, the odds are against you.  Some people take risks and turn out to be losers.  Robbery has become more common in recent years, and violence has increased.

LOOK AT THE ROBBERS
Notice details to aid you in describing them and their mannerisms.  When trying to determine age, height, weight and appearance, compare them to yourself or people you know.

MEMORIZE PECULIARITIES
Memorize peculiarities such as tatoos, scars and/or prominent features.

CLOTHING
Note type and colour worn, but keep in mind that outer clothing is easily changed.  As mentioned, concentrate on physical characteristics.

LOOK AT THE WEAPONS
Look at the weapons and be able to describe size, type and colour of weapons used.

DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING
If possible, lock doors until the police arrive.   Preserve items the suspects may have touched, and don't let anyone into the areas where the robbers may have been.

SAVE ANY NOTE
Save any note used and don't handle it unnecessarily, or allow others to handle.

DON'T DISCUSS THE CRIME
Don't discuss the crime until interviewed by the police.  If there is a delay, make notes while the information is still fresh in your mind.

WATCH WHAT THE ROBBERS TOUCH
Watch what the robbers touch, so that it can be preserved for evidence (fingerprints).

WATCH THE DIRECTION
Watch the direction the robbers take.  If you see them entering a vehicle, be able to describe it.

Write down the licence number to give to police

NOTIFY THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY
Tell them you have been held up.  Give your name, address, telephone number (apartment number if applicable).  Be accurate.   Do not hang up your telephone.  Stay on the line.

Remember that you can contact the Niagara Regional Police Service by dialing 911 in cases of life-threatening emergencies and to report crimes-in-progress.   For non-emergency calls, please refer to the numbers provided on our 911 And Other Emergency\Non-Emergency Phone Numbers page.  You can also reach us in any of the ways listed on our Contact Information page.

When the Police Arrive

ANSWER QUESTIONS ACCURATELY
Tell only what YOU saw or know.  If an estimate is necessary, say only that you BELIEVE this is true, but are not sure.

DON'T EXAGGERATE
Don't exaggerate when describing your experience or what has been stolen.

CO-OPERATE
Co-operate with the police by:

• making yourself available for interview

• not being reluctant to identify a suspect

• giving evidence in court when notified to do so

While co-operation with the police doesn't always result in the recovery of losses, you may be able to prevent others from becoming victims of robbery.

Wouldn't you like other people to do the same for you?

Hold Up Prevention

DON'T

• Keep large amounts of cash in the register, or store cash under the counter in a box -- even amateur robbers know about that.
  Extra money should be placed in a locked safe or deposited in a bank.

• Clutter windows with signs or displays that block viewing from the street

• Set off a holdup alarm for a forgery or petty crime.   The alarm is intended specifically for emergency conditions

DO

• Have a couple of bills in the cash register which you retain permanently and keep a record of their serial numbers.  In case your property is recovered from a robbery, this is a great help for identification

• Have a radio or TV playing in the back room suggesting someone else's presence

• Keep premises well lit

• Place alarm switches at more than one location, and all employees should know where they are.  Check them periodically to make sure they are working properly.

• Be careful answering questions from strangers when they show an interest in your hours of operation, alarm systems or number of employees

• Notify the police if suspicious persons hang around your business place.  Be especially alert at opening and closing times.

Employees on Banking Business

When carrying large amounts of cash:

• travel back and forth to the bank with a companion, never alone

• vary the route, and don't always go at a scheduled time

• never approach a night depository while anyone else is there.  If a suspicious person remains, call the police

Bank Employees

When reporting for work in the morning, one employee should enter and inspect the premises.  After enough time has been given to do this, another employee outside can telephone, and -- by pre-arranged signal -- the inside employee can indicate that conditions are normal.  If the situation is irregular, the inside employee should vary the reply (as pre-arranged in such a case), without arousing the suspicions of any intruders.  Then the police should be notified by the outside employee.