It is no secret that restaurants are an attractive place for thieves.<\/p>\n
With patrons sitting relaxed and enjoying the food and with the tills filled with cash, a restaurant seems like an easy mark with good returns.<\/p>
Thieves often execute these robberies during operating hours with many customers inside.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, such incidents do put people on high alert, and restaurant staff and customers need to have a plan on what to do in such an event.<\/p>
According to Seven Arrows Security, in such instances, prevention is better than cure.<\/p>\n
Although you cannot 100 per cent prevent a crime, certain measures can be put in place to make it harder for criminals to commit the crime and get away with it.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Caltex staff held up by two robbers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Restaurants should be linked to a security company and the public should be made aware of this.<\/p>\n The security company\u2019s details should be put up around the premises and their presence should be felt.<\/p>\n Staff should have panic buttons on hand at all times and these must be frequently tested with your security company.<\/p>\n Offenders do plan certain elements of the crime, such scoping out the place prior to executing the operation.<\/p>\n They count on getting in and out quickly and do not plan on being challenged by patrons and staff alike.<\/p>\n ALSO READ:\u00a0Police arrest three men search for two following Ackermans robbery<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Take note of the following tips on what to do if you fall victim to a restaurant robbery:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Always comply with robbers, do not question their demands and do exactly as they ask of you.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep still and do not to make any sudden moves. Try not to make the robber nervous.<\/p>\n \u2022 Try your best to remain calm. Do not panic.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not fiddle with your cellphone or try to record the event.<\/p>\n \u2022 Your body language is important. Avoid eye contact and carry yourself in a non-threatening way.<\/p>\n \u2022 Consider teaching your children a keyword that tells them that this is a dangerous situation and they must follow your commands. This is especially valuable in a shopping centre incident where you need to keep the family together and under your control.<\/p>\n \u2022 Self-talk is a valuable tool as you guide yourself through the incident.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n