Crime School

Carjacking robbery often occurs at the point where you enter or exit your parked vehicle.

The carjacker is a young male 90% of the time.

The carjacker is often under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The carjacker is usually armed with a gun or a knife.

Carjacker prefers a lone victim that's not paying attention.

Carjacker often waits nearby within 75 feet or less.

Carjacker will approach the driver's door as you enter.

Carjacker will threaten or use force to get your vehicle.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[00:44] - Carjacking robbery scenario.

[01:34] - Carjacking robbery definition and origin of the name.

[02:24] - What can be done to prevent becoming a victim of carjacking?

[03:00] - Carjacking pattern of selecting vehicle and victim.

[04:15] - Carjacker will sometimes wait for the right victim.

[04:55] - Carjacker will be close by if you're watching out for him.

[05:50] - Reverse engineer the carjacking robbery to prevent it.

[06:33] - Recommended carjacking preventive steps.

[08:30] - Variables in carjacking scenarios and responses.

Carjacking is one of the most dangerous crimes that can occur to a person.Tweet This

Carjackers Look for Vulnerable Inattentive Drivers

Carjacking Robbery

Carjacking robbery is one of the most frightening and dangerous crimes

To a person, a family, or a business traveler.

Carjacking robbery is a crime against a person.

By means of force, fear, violence, or intimidation.

Carjacking robbery frequency gets buried in the statistics

Auto-theft or strong-arm robbery or assault with a deadly weapon.

Carjackers are desperate criminals that don't care if they hurt you.

Carjacking Dangerous Point of Entry

Carjacking incidents often occur at the driver's door.

Critical carjacking time is entering and exiting the driver's door.

Most carjacking victims say they never saw the robber approaching.

Carjacker wants the vehicle key immediately for a quick getaway.

Carjacking victims get trapped between the driver's door and seat.

A weapon is usually displayed along with a crude threat to use it.

An excessive amount of force will attack any resistance.

How you react in the first few seconds can be life-changing.

Carjacking Robbery Target

The target of a carjacking robbery is usually the vehicle.

Carjacker just needs transportation.

Carjacker needs a vehicle for use in another crime.

Sometimes the target of a carjacking is the occupant.

The victim goes along with the vehicle.

The secondary crime scene is almost always worse.

More on Carjacking Robbery

Visit CrimeDoctor.com for the article - Carjacking Facts

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the 115-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases

Chris McGoey has authored a tremendous practical guide about premises liability litigation for attorneys, security consultants, risk managers, landlords, law enforcement, and business operators.

“You won’t find a better book on this subject!”

If you’re a trial lawyer, you simply “Must Read This Book”

115 pages 8.5 X 11″ — Instant Download (PDF) – Revised 2023.

Copyright © 2009 – 2023 Aegis Books, Inc.

Click the Buy Now button. Pay via PayPal or Credit-Debit Cards

Instant Download  $25   –   

Online Orders are Secure via PayPal Server

Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee

Biography of Chris E. McGoey

Testimonials from a few clients

Speaking Engagements

Media Interviews

Premises Liability Litigation Book

Retain Chris as a Security Expert Witness

Chris McGoey Blog Article Index

Crime School Podcast Episode Index

Contact Security Consultant Chris E. McGoey

Jonesborough, Tennessee

951-461-8950

Soft targets are open to the public and often unprotected

Soft targets are public and private venues with easy access.

Soft targets have few restrictions and relaxed rule enforcement.

They lack active supervision and immediate forceful response.

Most Public Settings Soft Targets

Soft targets, are they a factor related to mass shootings?

Interview with reporter Michael Hernandez with the Anadolu Agency.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[02:33] -- Media questions about what should be done about mass shootings.

[02:45] -- Do mass shootings occur more often at soft targets?

[04:00] -- Interview with reporter Michael Hernandez begins.

[05:00] -- Soft targets vary by degree, business type, and location.

[06:15] -- Nightclubs restrict access and act as gatekeepers.

[07:00] -- Always a sliding scale of soft targets evolving to hard targets.

[08:30] -- International airports are harder targets due to police presence.

[09:05] -- How do you prevent a mass murder at a soft target?

[12:00] -- Mass shootings require a forceful law enforcement response.

[13:15] -- Ongoing political argument to restrict access to assault rifles.

[13:25] -- We need a lawful mandate to identify those planning mass murder.

How can a small business prevent mass shootings?Tweet This

Soft Targets Transition to Hard Targets

Businesses begin to add layers to their security plan.

Adjust business hours to limit access.

Add barriers, and limit available entry doors and escape routes.

Add better lighting, video cameras, and door hardware.

Add a restrictive policy, procedures, and rules.

Add personnel to monitor or limit access.

Add perimeter surveillance for early intervention.

Security Plan is Important for Soft Targets

Start a dialog at your company about workplace violence potential.

Do you have a security plan to address violence and active shooters?

Make it a priority to evaluate the nature of your business.

Make it a priority to conduct a crime risk assessment.

Develop a security plan to address the risk assessment findings.

Follow through and execute a training program for all employees.

Update: Istanbul Airport Terrorist Attack

Ataturk airport is an example of an outer soft target and porous security.

Airports need perimeter traffic to flow well to avoid bottlenecks.

Large bottlenecks of people and cars create more security issues.

Airport security design hardens the target in layers as you move inside.

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the 115-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases

Chris McGoey has authored a tremendous practical guide about premises liability litigation for attorneys, security consultants, risk managers, landlords, law enforcement, and business operators.

“You won’t find a better book on this subject!”

If you’re a trial lawyer, you simply “Must Read This Book”

115 pages 8.5 X 11″ — Instant Download (PDF) – Revised 2023.

Copyright © 2009 – 2023 Aegis Books, Inc.

Click the Buy Now button. Pay via PayPal or Credit-Debit Cards

Instant Download  $25   –   

Online Orders are Secure via PayPal Server

Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee

Biography of Chris E. McGoey

Testimonials from a few clients

Speaking Engagements

Media Interviews

Premises Liability Litigation Book

Retain Chris as a Security Expert Witness

Chris McGoey Blog Article Index

Crime School Podcast Episode Index

Contact Security Consultant Chris E. McGoey

Jonesborough, Tennessee

951-461-8950

Parking lot security decisions about being safe are initially our responsibility. Where, when, and how we choose to park our vehicle determines what our parking lot security crime risk will be.

Keep the line of sight with the main entrance

Parking lot security is using your vehicle as a personal safe room.

Parking lot security is highest while safe inside your locked car.

Parking lot security is most critical while walking outside of a car.

Parking lot security is affected most by young male predators.

Parking lot security is detecting predators looking for a victim.

Parking lot security is being alert to the conditions and risks.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:00] – Customer confrontation questions about parking lot security.

[01:40] – Least amount of personal security and control is in a parking lot.

[03:00] – Compare the amount of personal security and control to your home.

[03:50] – Decisions about our family safety are initially your responsibility.

[05:00] – Locking your car doors and windows is the first step.

[05:30] – A locked vehicle is a significant barrier to personal assaults.

[06:10] – Select a parking space with line-of-sight to the destination.

[06:40] – Parking lot predators are usually young males.

[08:15] – Only leave the safety of a locked car when deemed safe.

[08:30] – Conduct your own parking lot security experiment.

[09:40] – Watch how retail store customers behave in a parking lot.

[10:15] – Consider if this is how parking lot perpetrators view you.

[11:10] – Have a family meeting and make a parking lot security plan.

[11:50] – Make locking your vehicle doors the first part of your daily routine.

Parking lot security decisions about personal safety are initially our responsibility.Tweet This

Parking Lot Security Decisions can make you safe

If you think about it, we're all strangers in a large parking lot making parking lot security difficult.

We are taught to share the space and we give little thought to others walking nearby.

Parking lot security is at the highest level while inside your locked vehicle.

Pick a parking space with good visibility and line of sight to the store entrance.

Only exit the safety of your locked vehicle after first scanning the area for potential threats.

The most common parking lot security threat is a male standing or seated nearby watching you.

The most critical parking lot security point is at the driver's side door as you enter and exit the car.

The crimes of robbery, purse snatch, carjacking, and abduction occur precisely at this point.

Test your own parking security experiment

Next time you go to a large parking lot, stay seated inside your car and watch customer behavior for about 15 minutes.

Imagine that you are a male parking lot predator looking for an easy victim to rob.

Use a rating system between 1-5 to score the most likely and least likely victim to attack.

Watch people walk to and from their cars totally consumed by their thoughts or talking on their cell phones.

Watch people as they approach their cars and fumble for their keys.

Are they looking around to see if a potential predator is standing or sitting in a car nearby?

Did any of these customers spot you sitting alone in your car watching them?

Did they turn their backs and attention completely away from you to load their shopping bags into the car?

Make note of how children and infants affect the timing of the transition in and out of the vehicle.

Observe how easy it would be for you to approach and attack these inattentive customers.

Develop your own parking lot security plan for your family based on these observations.

For more information on parking lot security

Carjacking Robbery @ CrimeSchool.com/20

Carjacking Facts @ CrimeDoctor.com

Parking Lot Crime Prevention @ CrimeDoctor.com

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Convenience Store Security & Loss Prevention Challenges 

Big three: Armed Robbery; Employee Theft; and Shoplifting.

Employee theft is the greatest profit killer in C-Stores.

Shoplifting is the second biggest cause of inventory loss.

This Liquor Store is a Robbery Magnet

Convenience Store News Magazine interview by Tammy Mastroberte.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[03:15] -- Interview begins with Convenience Store News Magazine.

[03:20] -- Big three: Armed Robbery; Employee Theft; and Shoplifting.

[04:25] -- 2500 sq.ft. box. It should be easy to control access, and inventory

[06:35] -- Four main categories for providing adequate c-store security.

[08:00] -- Employee theft is the greatest loss factor for the last 40 years.

[12:15] -- Dishonest employees learn to bypass technology deterrents.

[15:25] -- Detailed shift training, accuracy, and accountability are critical.

[25:00] -- Strict cash control at all times is the greatest robbery deterrent.

[27:00] -- Time delay safe; Drop-safe; Video surveillance with monitor display

[30:00] -- Robbers talk about easy targets and the best store chains to rob.

Podcast about Convenience Store Loss Prevention and SecurityTweet This

Convenience Store Security and Loss Prevention

Convenience store security store design including crime risk analysis.

A well-lighted exterior and highly-visible store interior are beneficial.

Use security hardware and equipment to support design flaws.

Liberal use of cash policy signs and decals for robbery prevention.

Hire employees that are honest, capable, and accountable.

Not all new hires have the dexterity, speed, and accuracy for c-stores.

Train with clearly defined and articulated procedures.

Insist that every shift employee follows identical procedures.

Audit some product or procedure every shift, every day.

Rotate employees to compare shift sales and product movement.

Convenience store security should be baked-in not layered on top.

Convenience store loss prevention is a seamless part of a daily routine.

Related Convenience Store Security Links

Convenience Store Robbery and Cash handling.

Gas Station Security - Car Burglary Sliders.

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the 115-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases

Chris McGoey has authored a tremendous practical guide about premises liability litigation for attorneys, security consultants, risk managers, landlords, law enforcement, and business operators.

“You won’t find a better book on this subject!”

If you’re a trial lawyer, you simply “Must Read This Book”

115 pages 8.5 X 11″ — Instant Download (PDF) – Revised 2023.

Copyright © 2009 – 2023 Aegis Books, Inc.

Click the Buy Now button. Pay via PayPal or Credit-Debit Cards

Instant Download  $25   –   

Online Orders are Secure via PayPal Server

Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee

Biography of Chris E. McGoey

Testimonials from a few clients

Speaking Engagements

Media Interviews

Premises Liability Litigation Book

Retain Chris as a Security Expert Witness

Chris McGoey Blog Article Index

Crime School Podcast Episode Index

Contact Security Consultant Chris E. McGoey

Jonesborough, Tennessee

951-461-8950

Juvenile Shoplifting - Petty Theft with Low Risk of Incarceration

Juveniles working gangster-style with adults makes crime a felony

Adults directing children to steal $350 of Red Bull Energy Drinks

Adult parents throw 12oz cans at a clerk escalating to a robbery

Organized Retail Thieves rented a U-Haul Van to Steal Red Bull

Podcast Time Stamps:

00:50 -- episode 44 podcast begins with security expert Chris McGoey

01:00 -- AM/PM Convenience Store video caught juvenile shoplifting in the act

01:30 -- Watch the mother attempt to distract the cashier from seeing the theft

02:50 -- Watch the father throw 12oz Red Bull cans at the cashier and aids kids to escape

03:20 -- Father's use of force escalates juvenile shoplifting to felony robbery

04:40 -- Red Bull Energy Drink is a hot Organized Retail Crime theft item

05:35 -- Organized thieves clean out entire shelves to sell on the black market

07:00 -- Organized Retail Crime is a multi-billion dollar loss for the retail industry

Juvenile Shoplifting of Red Bull Video (starts after a short delay)

Link to YouTube video

Juvenile Shoplifting Training by Disgraceful Parents

Children learn what they hear and see especially the parents' gangster lifestyle

These children are learning not to respect people, the law, and the rules of society

These children are taught that use-of-force and intimidation is like a game

Many adult career criminals say they started with juvenile shoplifting

Petty theft is often overlooked by the justice system as a phase of growing up

Our future depends on parents raising productive and law-abiding children

Juvenile shoplifting escalates to fraud, burglary, robbery, assault, and worse

Law enforcement and juvenile courts intervene when parents fail in their duty

Juvenile shoplifting petty theft is charged as burglary if adults aid and abet

Bad parent role models, bad friends, and early incarceration sets the path for life

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Use Juvenile Shoplifting

Retail loss prevention agents see adults using kids as shields to shoplift

Store personnel need training on how to approach and deter organized thieves

Organize Retail Crime (ORC) prefer big box stores with poor customer service

Loss Prevention door-greeters are successful in preventing cart push-outs

ORC shoplifting crews from foreign countries plagued cities then move on

ORC work in teams and often clean out entire shelf-stock of targeted items

Stolen items sold at black market stores, restaurants, bars, and swap meets

The black market is easier now with illicit online sales on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook

Organized Retail Crime is a multi-billion dollar loss to retailers every year

Big box store loss prevention has partnered with police to arrest theft crews

ORC sting operations and legislation enacted to prosecute ORC leaders

Common high-theft items by ORC shoplifters:

Red Bull Energy Drinks

Razors and blades

Over-the-counter pain medication

Baby formula and diapers

Batteries

Pregnancy test kits

Teeth whitening strips

Tide laundry detergent

Diabetic test strips

Allergy medication

Condoms

Related Juvenile Shoplifting Podcasts

10 Things Loss Prevention Agents want Shoplifters to Know

10 Things Shoplifters Don’t Want You to Know

Loss Prevention Procedures Reduce Liquor Wine Store Theft

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the 115-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases

Chris McGoey has authored a tremendous practical guide about premises liability litigation for attorneys, security consultants, risk managers, landlords, law enforcement, and business operators.

“You won’t find a better book on this subject!”

If you’re a trial lawyer,

Do armed security guards require more regulation?

Should there be a national standard for background checks?

Is there a national clearinghouse for armed security guards?

Is mental health screening necessary for armed security guards?

Do armed security guards need more use-of-force training?

Play CNN Hired Guns video then listen to the podcast dialog

Podcast Time Stamps

[00:40] - Should the government create laws for armed security guards

[01:25] - Armed security officers are not police officers

[04:10] - Interview with investigative reporter Lisa McCormick begins

[08:00] - At what level of government should regulations be enacted

[12:00] - Need for a national armed security guards clearinghouse

[18:15] - Armed security guards agency is easiest to regulate

[21:15] - Property owners that hire armed guards are responsible

[23:00] - Interview follow-up and remarks

Armed Security Guards in the News

Investigative reporter, Lisa McCormick from WDAF-TV in Kansas City called to get my opinion about the need for armed security guard's licensing and background checks in Missouri, Kansas, and other states.

Should the government require background checks and special training for armed security?Tweet This

Armed Security Guards - Big Questions

Should Missouri, Kansas, and other states create laws requiring background checks of armed security guards?

What are the risks of not having screening and training regulations for armed security guards?

Do I agree that the industry of armed security guards is a haphazard system of lax laws with minimal oversight and almost no accountability?

Are more hours of scenario training required for armed security guards?

Armed Security Guards - Answers are Complex

The federal government should only provide a framework for private security guard screening especially for the small armed segment of that industry.

The federal government should assist with the coordination of a national clearinghouse for background checks and ease current obstructions

The state government is good at setting regulations and standards, but not at staying on top of licensing complaints, and local enforcement.

Local municipal government is best at enforcement if they consistently undertake the duty statewide and have budget assistance to do so.

There needs to be a hybrid method of adopting Federal & State standards with local enforcement and oversight without being burdensome.

We can do better, for example, a licensed manicurist has stricter licensing and training requirements than an armed security guard.

Armed Guard Capable of Using Deadly Force

More Resources on this Subject:

Video source: CNN and Center for Investigative Reporting with Anderson Cooper.

CNN's year-long report on Armed Security Guards called Hired Guns, part-two.

Related guard licensing story of a shooting death at a Florida nightclub.

Armed and Dangerous - An illustrated story reads like a graphic novel.

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download the 115-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation

Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases

Chris McGoey has authored a tremendous practical guide about premises liability litigation for attorneys, security consultants, risk managers, landlords, law enforcement, and business operators.

“You won’t find a better book on this subject!”

If you’re a trial lawyer, you simply “Must Read This Book”

115 pages 8.5 X 11″ — Instant Download (PDF) – Revised 2023.

Copyright © 2009 – 2023 Aegis Books, Inc.

Click the Buy Now button. Pay via PayPal or Credit-Debit Cards

Instant Download  $25   –   

Online Orders are Secure via PayPal Server

Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee

Biography of Chris E. McGoey

Testimonials from a few clients

Travel security plans will make you safer while abroad.

A good security plan anticipates and reduces the risk of loss or harm.

The security plan is an emergency document retrieval system.

A security plan is home and vehicle protection while abroad.

Your security plan includes packing smart for international travel.

The security plan is control over luggage and documents.

A security plan is health management for common ailments.

You Must Safeguard Your Passport While Traveling

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:30] – International travel requires research and planning.

[02:00] – American travel company provides a US point of contact.

[02:50] – Select an established itinerary in risky locations.

[03:40] – United States State Department travel warnings.

[04:25] – Pre-pay to reduce the need to carry excess cash.

[04:58] – Emergency document retrieval plan.

[06:56] – What if you lose all your luggage and passport?

[08:50] – Advantage of a local tour company in an emergency.

[09:35] – How to recover critical documents and credit cards.

[10:30] - Place emergency documents in cloud storage.

[12:20] – Travel security plan for home and car protection.

[14:35] – Make home appear occupied while abroad.

[16:20] – Pack smart and travel light internationally.

[18:10] – Leave electronic devices at home…Unplug.

[19:40] – Carry duplicate copies of critical documents.

[22:20] - Divide cash between travelers and pockets.

[21:25] – Carry prescription medication in original bottles.

[23:05] – Health management is a priority for international travel.

[25:30] – Create multiple backup and contingency plans.

Security plan for international travel anticipates the risk of loss or harm.Tweet This

Travel security plan to be safe at your destination

Research your international travel destination fully.

Use a reliable US travel company that communicates well.

Pick an established itinerary to eliminate surprises.

Prepay most travel expenses to reduce the need to carry cash.

Hire local guides to arrange safe lodging and clean restaurants.

Use local guides to handle language translations, and transactions.

Check the US State Department website for international travel warnings.

Obtain the critical address and phone number of contacts at home and abroad.

Identify emergency medical treatment centers in major cities.

Research availability for emergency medical evacuation service.

Travel security plan for emergency document retrieval

Prepare an emergency contact list at home and at each destination.

Prepare a travel schedule itinerary and hotel contact list.

Scan all critical travel documents and upload them to cloud storage.

Copy credit cards front and back.

Copy original medicine prescriptions.

Copy eye-glass lens prescription.

Pre-authorize expenses for emergency home repairs.

Provide house and car keys to a capable guardian.

Provide a list of instructions in case of an accident or death.

Provide a copy of a durable power of attorney for medical care.

Provide a copy of a will and the estate executor's contact info.

Set up password-protected cloud storage for document retrieval.

Travel security plan for home protection

Give a key to a neighbor or house sitter.

The home should look occupied during the day and night.

Maintain routines of occupancy cues.

Occasionally park a car in the driveway.

Do not stop the newspaper or mail service.

Continue to put out garbage for pick up.

Continue yard service or snow removal.

Ask a neighbor to pick up newspaper, mail, or doorknob trash.

Don’t advertise on social media that you are abroad.

Travel security plan for airport transportation

Get a ride to the airport. You'll be too tired to drive.

Your car at home means, you're home, to burglars.

Don't leave your parking lot entry ticket in the vehicle.

Watch your luggage on/off the parking lot shuttle...

Bar bouncers are caught on video acting like thugs and brawlers intentionally punching, kicking, using knee strikes, and stomping on patrons just like in the movie Road House.

A reporter from the St. Augustine Record newspaper in Florida asked me to view video footage posted on YouTube and comment on the behavior of several Conch House Marina bar bouncers.

You be the judge about how the bar bouncers handled the melee when you view this video for yourself. The bar bouncers are the big guys dressed in orange t-shirts.

Link to Conch House Brawl Video

My video observations

Conch House Marina dock was critically over-crowed.

Bouncers were acting like thugs rather than protective security.

Bouncers yelling "chill out" is not effective in crowd control.

I counted six people down with injuries or unconscious.

I saw bouncers throwing sucker punches.

I saw a bouncer using a chokehold on a patron.

I saw a bouncer kicking, kneeing, and stomping on a patron.

I saw blatant excessive force by multiple bouncers.

I saw bar bystanders get knocked over like bowling pins.

I saw a general lack of a bar security plan and training.

Your list may be much longer than my quick outline. The punching, kicking, knee strikes, stomping, and choking that I witnessed on this video was offensive rather than defensive force, and was not reasonable, under these circumstances.

There’s a lesson here about bar bouncers

It’s not always wise to hire bar bouncers whose main attribute is their large size if the job description requires someone to have a calm professional demeanor and adequate training to manage a large crowd and drunk and disorderly customers.

From watching the video, I suspect that many of the Conch House bar bouncers:

They had little or no security experience.

They received little or no training in crowd control.

They were not taught about the lawful limitations of using excessive force on customers.

In a crisis, like this one, inexperienced and untrained bouncers will fall back on their physically aggressive instincts to solve what should have been a crowd management problem addressed in the planning stage.

That's why these things can happen.

Duty of bar bouncers

A bar bouncer is supposed to monitor the crowd so everyone has a good time but within reasonable limits.

Watch that everyone behaves according to the rules of conduct.

Patrons don't become overly intoxicated.

Or become bothersome to others.

The best bouncers are personable, and friendly and can talk to intoxicated patrons without appearing threatening or intimidating. After all, these customers are the same welcomed guests that you admitted at the door, charged an entry fee, and served your food, and your intoxicating alcoholic beverages. Bar management has a responsibility to protect them in the same manner as any other guest.

The best bouncers know that their job is not to bounce anyone…but rather talk to people. The mere presence of a well-trained bouncer will remind the patron that their conduct is being scrutinized and that their patronage can be revoked.

Conch House Reggae Sunday Party

Conch House formula for premises liability

The owner of Conch House was the architect of the nature of this facility and what it became on this day. I’ve been told that it's family-owned and for many years it was a nice place to visit, have lunch or dinner, and relax overlooking the marina. I don't know why or when the nature of this family restaurant and bar changed to a wild entertainment facility, but on this day at least the party was executed poorly.

The Reggae Sunday party promotion on this Memorial Weekend 2015 may come back to haunt the owners and managers when the lawsuits, that are sure to come, are served. More than likely, the lawsuits will allege failure to provide adequate security; and failure to properly hire, train, and supervise bouncers before turning them loose on the ...

ATM robbers may be waiting at your Automated Teller Machine.

ATM cash withdrawal after-hours is high-risk if alone and female.

Learn how ATM robbers think and view you as a potential victim.

Think about times and locations where your ATM use was risky.

Have a family meeting to discuss plans for late-night ATM use.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[1:10]  - ATM robbers want the element of surprise.

[1:48]  - Some ATM locations are better for robbers.

[2:40]  - My ATM is your ATM.

[3:28]  - Robbers don’t like ATM machines in supermarkets.

[4:10]  - Robbers prefer to confront a single ATM victim.

[4:45]  - Robbers expect ATM victims to cooperate.

[5:20]  - Robbers hate attentive ATM customers.

[5:58]  - Robbers will use excessive force if you resist.

[6:25]  - Video surveillance cameras are not a big concern to ATM robbers.

[7:05]  - Good lighting doesn’t matter that much to ATM robbers.

10 things Robbers don't want ATM victims to know.Tweet This

ATM Robbers Don't Want You to Know

1. ATM robbers want the element of surprise

ATM robbers are usually male and under 25 years old.  They look a little scruffy because they are likely intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. If you look around, the ATM robber is that suspicious-looking guy within 25 yards standing in the shadows or sitting in a car. ATM robbers usually work alone, but sometimes use a partner for a lookout or getaway driver.

2.  Some ATM locations are better for robbers

ATM robbers prefer isolated machines with poor line-of-sight from the street or parking lot. They like to hide nearby behind some obstruction until the right moment.

Robbers also like the bank drive-thru-lane machine because they can sneak up on your open car window while you focus on punching in your ATM code number. They know you can't run while buckled into your car seat.

ATM robbers have the advantage because they pick the best time, the location with the best hiding places, and escape routes.

3. My ATM is your ATM

Once robbers stake out your machine, they don’t have to do anything, but hang around nearby, watch, and wait. ATM robbers strike between 8:00 pm – 4:00 am when ATM traffic is slowest.

Robbers don’t have a bank account or a bank ATM card, so when they need quick cash they’ll use yours. They hope you withdraw $300 but will settle for less. They may also demand your phone, wallet, purse, watch, or jewelry.

Occasionally, robbers will steal your car too, and may take you with them to another crime scene.

4. Robbers don’t like ATM machines in supermarkets

Robbers can’t see the machine from the parking lot or know when someone approaches it. There are cashiers, video surveillance, and too many witnesses. Large stores may have security watching.

Robbers lose the element of surprise if they enter the store with their faces covered or gun out. They don’t have a view of the parking lot from inside to know if the police are waiting outside.

5. Robbers prefer to rob a single ATM victim

Robbers prefer to rob a woman that arrives alone at an ATM machine. They prefer that you don’t pay attention to your surroundings or talk on your phone at the ATM.

Sometimes they pretend to use an adjacent ATM machine so you'll think they're okay. Attempting to rob two or more people increases their risk or likelihood of resistance.

6. Robbers expect ATM victims to act a certain way

Robbers wait for you to approach the machine oblivious to your surroundings. They'll wait for you to focus all your attention on the ATM machine, insert your ATM card, enter your PIN code, and request cash. They will suddenly and silently appear behind you armed with a weapon just as your cash dispenses.

They will threaten to hurt you if you don’t follow my commands and hand over your cash and other property without resistance.

7. ATM robber's least favorite customer

ATM user that arrives by car with one or more passengers. The driver stays inside with the motor running and ...

The crime risk factor has a direct correlation to the nature of the premises.

Property open to the public operates at greater crime risk.

Cash-based late-night businesses have greater crime risk.

The nature of the premises may foresee the level of crime risk.

This Liquor Store is a Robbery Magnet

Podcast Time Stamps:

[01:40] - Business owners are reluctant to change the way they operate.

[01:58] - Quick fixes are like Bandaids that need to be reapplied often.

[03:00] - Major risk factor is the Nature of the Premises.

[03:37] - Examples of different business model effects on crime.

[04:56] - Each business type attracts a different type of customer.

[05:25] - The restaurant wants to add an entertainment and liquor license.

[06:55] - Banks offer different levels of risk after hours at ATMs.

[07:50] - Hotels lease out ballrooms for parties increases assault risk

[08:27] - Convenience store check-cashing increases robbery risk.

[08:52] - Parking lot use and risk vary through the course of the day.

[09:40] - Expected property use versus actual use.

[10:20] - Tweaking the nature of the premises and business.

[11:10] - Most apartment crime risks can be fixed in the office.

[12:05] - Summary of risk factors and an action plan.

[13:00] - Failure to correct the nature of the premises causes liability.

Crime at a business is based, in part, by the nature of the premises.Tweet This

Crime Risk Factors

There are three primary crime risk factors that should be considered when designing a security plan for a business open to the public.

Nature of the premises.

Crime Demographics.

Location.

The property owner and business operator have the most control over the nature of the premises than any other risk factor.

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