Remind yourself to stay relaxed, quiet and in control of yourself. This will also help you to clearly see the robber’s traits, so you can describe him to the police after. Tell yourself that you are brave and will be able to make it through the robbery. Try thinking something like “I’m okay. I will survive this. I am brave enough to make it through this. ”
Tense a muscle for a few seconds and then relax it. Do this for each muscle group in your body. Visualize a safe and relaxing space in your mind that you can escape to. Try to use all of your senses when imagining this place. Focus directly on feeling your heart rate lowering, your breathing slowing, and your body relaxing.
Rephrase these commands internally, inside your own head. Do not speak these commands out loud. ”Don’t move!” can be rephrased as “Be still”. ”Don’t look!” can be rephrased as “Look at something else. ”
Do not offer to volunteer or actively help the robber. Only do what they ask of you. Listen carefully to commands and work quickly and effectively to fulfill them. Inform the robber directly about any steps you need to take and explain why you are doing them. Ask them permission for any actions like putting your hands in a drawer or your pockets before doing so.
Keep your question direct and short. Saying something like “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. ” can be simple enough and still get your intention across. If you misheard something try rephrasing what you thought you heard as a question. For example “You wanted only 10 dollar bills?” You should ask for permission before doing anything that might alarm the robber. For example “I must reach under the counter to get the keys. Is this okay?” Never ask any questions that are not relevant to your own confusion about what the robber was asking.
Long responses during a robbery can increase stress and panic. Try to frame responses in a positive way, working with the robber and showing compliance. Always answer honestly. Never try to change the robbers mind. For example, if you are asked where money might be located and how to access it, you might reply “In the safe. It’s here behind the counter”. Don’t go into any more detail about the money or safe unless asked.
Move slowly and calmly. Quick movements may appear threatening to the robber.
Remember what the robber looked liked. Take mental notes of height, weight, clothes, or other distinguishing aspects. Remember what the robber did. Keep a mental record of everything the robber did and in what order. Don’t stare or make eye contact with the robber. Take quick glances only. Don’t go out of your way to take in the details as this can put you in danger.
Work with law enforcement to explain the details of the robbery that you recall. Talk with others at the crime scene to help keep you calm and recall details about the robbery. Do not touch anything in the area as police will need to investigate it. Check the condition of those present once the doors and windows have been secured.
