• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

• When parking, walking or returning to your car, travel in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles. Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If threatened, use the whistle to signal residents for help. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people of your situation.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.

• Carry a cell phone and call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on the way. Make sure you’re expected at a certain time, so in the event you fail to show up, those expecting you will know enough to begin looking for you.

• Walk with confidence. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime so never assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to defend, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk towards an open store, restaurant or residence.

To Prevent A Robbery

• Keep your front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow good two-way visibility. Employees can see suspicious persons inside.  Passers-by can see inside.
• Keep the outside of your business well-lit at night.
• Use video surveillance and make it well known. Use cameras or mirrors to observe all areas of the store.
• Greet everyone who enters your business.  Be alert for customers who seem to be loitering or glancing around the store while appearing to shop or browse through a magazine.
• If you someone who is acting suspicious inside or outside, call the police to have them checked out.
• Keep side and back doors locked. Have employees use the main entrance, if possible.
• Place markers at the entrance that employees can use to help gauge the height of a robber as he leaves.
• Make bank deposits as often as possible, never less than once a day.

 

During A Robbery

• Try to stay calm.
• Do not make any sudden movements to upset the robber.
• Do not resist.
• If possible, try to get a good look at the robber so that you can describe him later.
• Note the direction of flight.
• Without exposing yourself to harm, get a description of the robber’s vehicle.

 

After The Robbery

• Call the police immediately after the robbery, even if you have already activated the alarm.
• Step outside the store when the police arrive so they will know the robber is gone and you are safe.
• Do not touch anything that the robber may have touched (for fingerprints).
• Ask any witnesses to stay or get their names and telephone numbers (to be reached by the police).
• Do not discuss the amount of money taken with anyone other than the police.

 

Surveillance Equipment Information

• Have your equipment serviced regularly.
• Save the videos in a file where you can easily locate them. Decide how long you will keep the videos. It may be time to invest in external storage.
• Clean the lenses of the video cameras with camera lens paper.
• Ensure the correct date & time are on your video.

• Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation, and students may be particularly vulnerable to this crime.
• The first step to prevent identity theft is awareness of how and when you use your personal information. By keeping close tabs on your personal information, you can reduce your chances of becoming an identity theft victim.
• Memorize your Social Security number and passwords. Don’t record your password on papers you carry with you.
• Do not use your date of birth as your password.
• Shred pre-approved credit applications and other financial documents before discarding them.
• Order credit reports every year from each of the major credit reporting agencies and thoroughly review them for accuracy.
• Never give personal or financial information over the phone or Internet unless you initiated the contact.
• Do not carry your Social Security card or birth certificate with you.
• Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
• Check your monthly credit card and bank statements for unusual activity.

RPD would like to remind residents to be cognizant of dangers related to carbon monoxide. Whether in a car or at home, the consequences can be deadly. As such, community members should be aware of the following safety tips.

 

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
Often referred to as the silent killer, CO is a gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. It is created when fossil fuels such as kerosene, gasoline, natural gas, propane, methane or wood do not burn properly.

 

Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO poisoning can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or cars left running in garages.

 

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, and drowsiness. Exposure to undetected high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

 

What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
Immediately move to a fresh air location, such as outdoors or by an open window or door, and make sure everyone inside is accounted for. Then, call 9-1-1. Remain at the fresh air location until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

 

Precautions

• Make sure that all fuel-burning appliances – including dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, and stoves – and venting equipment are unclogged of any debris and vented to the outside.
• Before using a fireplace, open the damper for proper ventilation.
• Avoid using an oven or stovetop to heat your home, as they emit CO gas.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice or other debris. The CO gas might kill people and pets inside.
• When shoveling out your vehicle, remove any snow or ice that might be blocking the exhaust pipe.

• Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine inside, even if the garage doors are open. Remove a vehicle that you are trying to warm up from the garage immediately after starting it.

• Only use barbecue grills outdoors and away from any building openings; never use them inside. Some grills produce CO gas.
• Use portable generators outside and away from doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

• Use sturdy doors.
• Solid wooden doors or doors reinforced with steel offer much more protection than hollow-core wooden doors.
• Use safe locks. Adding quality deadbolt locks is a great idea because they can’t be ‘popped’ the way spring-latch locks can.
• Thieves use many disguises, and some pose as someone that they are not.
• Strangers should be questioned as to their business.
• Lock your windows and ALWAYS keep your doors locked, even when you are home.
• In a single-family home or a multi-dwelling building, the outer hallway door should be locked. If a thief has access to the inner hallway, he now has a cover from the public’s eye and extra time to break through the front door without being noticed.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Consider having a neighbor or friend watch your home when you’re on vacation. You may also call (706) 935-2323 and request a vacation watch.

Shopping

• Wherever you are, stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
• Communicate in a manner that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going.
• Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with people around you.
• Park in well-lighted areas and busy streets. Avoid dark doorways, alleys, and areas hidden by trees and shrubbery.
• Have your keys in hand before exiting the store.
• Don’t overload yourself with packages and don’t wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other tempting targets such as jewelry.
• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the strap, and keep a firm grasp on it. Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket.
• If you think someone is following you, walk toward an open store or restaurant and call the police.
• Remember that criminals look for the easiest opportunities. BE ALERT, CAUTIOUS AND CONFIDENT!

 

Pocketbook and Purse

• Keep a good hold on your pocketbook and if possible, cross the strap across your chest (and not freely hanging at your side when walking).
• When walking always keep physical contact with the pocketbook (Ex. Resting your hand or arm on the side of it). This will help with pickpockets.
• Make sure your pocketbook is completely fastened at all times. If possible carry your wallet, cash, credit cards, and small high value items in a front pocket of your clothes.
• If you place your pocketbook in a shopping cart, run the strap through the metal bar to secure it, (So someone cannot walk off with it. Also make sure the pocketbook is completely fastened shut). Also keep your wallet and money in your hand or front pocket of clothing.
• When seated at a table or countertop, do not hang your pocketbook/bag on your seat-back. The safest place is either on your lap or at your feet (not to the side where belongings can be removed without your knowledge)
• When using the restroom, do not place your pocketbook on the floor (Due to the open space at the bottom of stalls, a suspect can just reach in and grab it.)
• If you leave your purse in your car while you shop, secure it in the trunk, or out of sight, where it will not be visible to people walking past.

 

How To Avoid Having Your Purse Stolen

• The theft of purses is almost always a crime of opportunity. The chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced with the careful consideration of the following prevention tips:
• When in a restaurant, if you choose to place your purse under your chair, put the leg of your chair through your purse strap, your purse will then be a considerably less accessible target
• Do not put your purse down on the ground and/or leave it unattended
• If you must carry a purse, carry only the items that you need and never large amounts of cash
• Always be cognizant of your surroundings and walk with confidence and purpose
• Walk in well-lit areas and avoid walking close to areas that would allow a thief to hide in an entranceway or behind a parked car
• Carry your purse close to your person, preferably in front, don’t wrap your purse strap too tightly around your wrist or shoulder, you’re likely to get hurt if a thief were to grab it forcefully
• If a thief approaches you, remember that it is best to just let it go. It is not worth being injured by resisting.

 

What To Do Immediately When Your Personal Information Has Been Stolen

• Notify the Credit Bureau right away: Equifax, Transunion, Experian.
• Alert the Credit Bureau that your personal information has been stolen
• Contact your bank and cancel not only checkbook, but your bank account
• Notify your credit card companies to cancel your card

The Ringgold Police Department would like to remind our partners in the retail business community to take measures to avoid being victimized.

• Review your security systems. Remember that the number and placement of cameras can prevent crime.
• Make sure that your cameras and sensors are working.
• Maintain adequate lighting.
• Place expensive merchandise away from the main entrance.
• Keep valuables in a safe and locked place
• Ensure that you have a sufficient number of employees to cover the retail areas of your business. If you do not have enough employees, consider hiring security staff.
• Assign an employee toward the front of your store in order to deter a thief from running into and out of the store with stolen merchandise.
• Ask customers to alert your staff to suspicious activity.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately in the event of a robbery or break-in, or if you observe someone acting suspiciously or who you recognize from prior incidents.
• Inform your fellow merchants of suspicious or unlawful activity to enhance awareness of repeat offenders.

 

We understand that some of these suggestions might conflict with your marketing needs. We would be happy to visit your business and provide you with an assessment that balances those needs with ones pertaining to security. Contact the Ringgold Police Department for more information.

Security and Safety are important elements in the convenience store industry. Providing fast and convenient service, in a safe and friendly environment, is the goal of all owners and operators.  Most stores have never been robbed. By following good procedures and practices chances of being robbed are even less. One of the best security practices available is to have policies and procedures in place.

 

Opening And Closing The Store

• Two people should open the store
• Have one person check the building for anything suspicious, including suspicious people, while the other opens the store.  Remain alert at all times 
• Once inside, lock all doors until you are ready to open for business
• When closing, check all areas of the store for anyone remaining inside
• Lock all the doors and don’t let anyone in once the store is closed 
• Employees should leave together

 

Cash Handling

• Keep cash drawer closed at all times 
• Keep small amounts of cash in the register at all times 
• Don’t open it unnecessarily, such as to make change.
• Do not count money in an open area

 

Bank Deposits

• Always cash out your drawer 
• Make bank deposits at various times
• Do not use a bag with a bank logo
• If possible have another person go with you, do not make any stops in between

 

Security Devices 

• All store operators need to know the location of the alarm and how to arm/disarm them
• Name and phone number of the alarm company readily available
• Be sure to use the panic alarm as directedby management 
• Store owners should invest in a good quality camera system—learn how to operate and maintain the unit 
• Routinely check to ensure cameras are focused on the cash register 
• Keep the recorder separate in a secure location

 

Lighting 

• Keep the store well-lit: inside and out 
• Check lights frequently and develop a maintenance schedule to keep them  working properly
• Be sure to adjust the timer as needed to accommodate for daylight hours

 

Visibility

• Keep the cash area clear to eliminate counter clutter 
• Remove displays on counter that may hide a robber from outside observers 
• Keep the windows clear from displays and signs 
• Signs and Displays should be below three feet and above six feet 
• The interior of the store should also be kept open with Isles FREE of displays and signs 
• Employees should remain alert and observant at ALL TIMES 
• Watch for suspicious activity, people vehicles  or fights on the premises
• If something looks out of the ordinary—Call the Boston Police:  9-1-1

 

What To Do To Reduce Your Chance Of Being Injured During A Robbery

• Threat of violence during a robbery is real
• A suspect is going to be very nervous, so, don’t do anything unexpected that might cause the suspect to over react 
• Remain calm 
• Do as the robber requests 
• Do not resist 
• Do not attempt to use a weapon 
• Do not lie to the robber—tell him you don’t know how to do something, if you know  how to do it, etc.
• Don’t stare at the robber 
• Stay in the store and lock the door once  the robber leaves 
• Be a good witness 
• Make notes of the key characteristics of the robber:

            Build: Heavy, Medium, Muscular, Thin

            Short or Tall

            Hair length and color

            Race

            Facial hair

            Tattoos

            What kind of weapon did he use

            Was there a getaway vehicle

            Direction of flight of the suspect

 

After A Robbery 

• Stay inside the store and lock the doors
• Call the police immediately (FIRST)
• Assist customers that were in the store during the robbery
• Ask everyone to stay calm until the police arrive 
• Have them think about what they saw 
• Do your best to preserve the crime scene 
• Do not touch or move anything that the suspect handled 
• While waiting for the police to arrive, record everything you can remember about the incident 
• Practice and follow your store’s emergency procedures, you increase your chance of survival 
• Remember: Stay calm, don’t resist, cooperate fully, don’t lie, and don’t stare
• Have a plan, review it often, and know what to do

 

REMEMBER: THE MORE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE TO THE POLICE, THE BETTER EQUIPPED THE POLICE WILL BE IN APPREHENDING AND PROSECUTING THE SUSPECT.