With crime rates on the rise nationwide — including a disturbing series of 11 armed hold-ups at Melbourne convenience stores and supermarkets in a single night last week — the need for businesses to prioritise workplace safety and security has never been more urgent.
Whether you are running a retail counter, warehouse, or trade yard, taking proactive steps can help deter criminal activity and protect your team if the unthinkable happens.
The best defence is prevention. Small changes can make a big impact when it comes to reducing the risk of robbery. Consider these practical steps:
Display clear signage
Let would-be offenders know upfront that there is little to gain. Use signage at entry points and tills: “For your safety, limited cash is kept on these premises.”
Minimise cash on-site
Make regular bank drops, use drop safes, and never count large sums of money where customers can see.
Install visible surveillance
Visible CCTV (real or dummy), alarm stickers, and panic buttons send a clear message that your site is monitored.
Add physical barriers
Vehicle-based “smash and grab” robberies are on the rise. Installing bollards or reinforced posts at entry points can prevent offenders from using cars to force their way in.
Keep windows clear and well-lit
Visibility is key. Well-lit shopfronts with clear sightlines to the street help deter crime by reducing cover for offenders.
Train your team
Staff should be trained on how to respond during a robbery — staying calm, avoiding confrontation, and following clear safety procedures.
Restrict back-of-house access
Keep store rooms, warehouses, and staff-only areas locked and accessible only to authorised personnel.
Strengthen community ties
Join local business safety networks or Neighbourhood Watch programs. Sharing information and staying connected makes everyone safer.
Your number one priority in a robbery is safety. Here's what to do:
Don’t resist
Hand over goods or cash if demanded. No item is worth risking a life.
Stay calm and speak clearly
Avoid sudden movements, don’t argue, and keep a safe distance.
Observe only if safe to do so
Take mental notes — the offender’s age, height, clothing, tattoos, voice, and any vehicle details.
Do not chase the offender
Once it’s safe, call 000 immediately and provide as much detail as possible.
Preserve the scene
Avoid touching anything the offender may have handled. Secure any CCTV footage.
Document the incident
Complete a workplace incident report as soon as possible while the details are still fresh.
After the incident offer staff support and recovery
A robbery can be a deeply unsettling experience. Addressing the emotional impact is just as important as the physical response:
Debrief your team
Offer staff a quiet space and time to recover. Avoid rushing anyone back into duties.
Make support available
Encourage staff to access counselling services through a GP, local provider, or your organisation’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Consider Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for key team members to improve future readiness.
Review your procedures
Take time to reassess site vulnerabilities and update your robbery response plan and staff training accordingly.
Communicate openly
Involve your team in discussions about improving safety and give them a voice in the process. Collective buy-in strengthens your workplace culture and helps everyone feel more secure.
A robbery can leave both emotional and financial scars. But with a clear plan in place, proper training, and a commitment to workplace safety, your business can be better prepared — and more resilient.
Need help reviewing your current safety procedures or training your team? NTHA is here to support you. Contact NTHA on 1800 822 621 — reach out to Member WHS/HR Manager Vicki on M: 0407 850 235 or vicki.s@ntha.com.au
Let’s work together to keep your business safe, secure, and confident in the face of risk.
