Jewelers Mutual Introduces New Robbery Checklist

(IDEX Online News) – Jewelers Mutual Insurance has released a new checklist to help jewelers cope in the aftermath of a robbery or attack. Top tips include locking the doors immediately after the perpetrators leave; calling the authorities and tending to anyone who may be injured; keeping witnesses at the scene and collecting contact information and making notes as soon as possible after the event to help with the investigation.

According to Carrie Volp, one of Jewelers Mutual’s loss prevention specialists, jewelers also have to know what to do in the event that their store is being cased. "To prevent a crime, you have to assume that you are being cased and always be aware of the threat. That's the first step to making your store as safe as possible."

Volp and another loss prevention specialist, Tim O'Conner, hosted a webinar, available on the Jewelers Mutual website, entitled “Robbery: Before, During and After" with recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood of being targeted, how to survive the threat and how to recover from an attack.

However, stresses Jewelers Mutual,  jewelers who prepare themselves and their staff mentally for an attack can make the difference between life and death. "The game changes the second someone comes into your store with a weapon," said Volp. "The most important thing you can do is stay calm and comply. The sooner you can give the robbers what they want and they leave the better."

One of the most important tips – and one which may sound counterintuitive – is not activating a panic button or alarm until the robbers have left the store. Doing so too early could lead to the police's arrival on the scene while the robbery is occurring, which could precipitate a dangerous hostage situation.

Jewelers Mutual also stressed the importance of seeking help to deal with the aftermath of a robbery. The insurer said it offers a free benefit that contributes to the costs of professional counseling services. "We are here to serve the jewelry industry, and part of that service is helping our members recover and move forward with their lives and their businesses," said Volp. "This benefit is just one small way we can help you recover when you face a loss."