Armed Hold-Up

These events are stressful and the aim is always to protect life first and foremost.

Responding to a robbery in progress

• Keep calm and never argue
• Never try to ‘talk a robber out of it’
• Never argue, criticise or stare
• Inform of possible surprises such as a staff member in a back room
• Make no quick movements
• Be honest about all available money
• Never chase a robber

Responding after an event

Your actions after a robbery are vital: 

• The pharmacist should take control
• Call 000 and ask for police; tell them “We have had a hold-up”
• Lock the pharmacy, ask witnesses to stay until police arrive
• The scene, particularly any surfaces touched by the robbers, should be preserved until police arrive
• Do not discuss the event; rather ask witnesses to jot down independent notes
• Do not discuss the event with the media
• Call Guild Insurance for assistance
• It is recommended that those involved receive trauma counselling