Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robberies are serious and dangerous crimes that can cause long term emotional and psychological distress to victims.

Having proactive, well planned and strictly followed procedures can reduce the risk of an aggravated robbery and ensure the safety of staff and customers.

Download ACT Policing's Aggravated Robbery and Burglary Prevention Booklet for safety tips to minimise the incidence and impact of an aggravated robbery or burglary, and information about what to do if an incident occurs.

If a robbery occurs

Aggravated robberies are rare but it is important to know what to do.

Offenders want easy money and property, their aim is to quickly get in and out.

Train your staff to know what to do during an armed robbery to ensure everyone’s personal safety.

In the event of an armed robbery, remember:

• The most important thing is your safety. Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger.
• Cooperate with the offender’s demands.
• Try to remain calm and non-confrontational.
• Keep your hands in sight at all times.
• Try to tell the offender of any movements you need to make before you make them. Any unexpected movement might trigger a reaction.
• Try to keep your distance. You can use natural barriers like a counter.
• When asked to hand over money, place it on the counter and take a step back.
• Only activate an alarm if it is safe to do so.
• When offenders leave, don’t follow or chase them.

Once the offender has left:

• Lock the doors and secure the business.
• Call police on Triple Zero (000) when it is safe to do so and stay on the line.
• Care for victims. Check if anyone needs first aid and request an ambulance. Comfort any injured people.
• Don’t touch or move anything. Contain areas where the offenders may have stood or touched.
• Ask all witnesses to stay until police arrive.
• Write down what you remember as soon as you can after the robbery. Include as many details as you can about what happened, the offender, any weapon and any vehicle they used.