Armed Robbery at 7-11 2-1-16

Complaint # 50-16-3320

Date/Time:  Monday, February 1, 2016 at 1:27AM

Location:  7-11, 654 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating an armed robbery at a 7-11 convenience store.  The robbery occurred at 1:27AM on Monday morning when three suspects entered the business armed with handguns and demanded cash.  The suspects took cash from the register and fled the store westbound on foot.  The suspects are described as being black males, dressed in dark clothing (dark hooded sweatshirts).

In response to the recent string of armed robberies, police are encouraging businesses to review the following safety tips to help reduce the chances of becoming a robbery victim:

Cash Control
Strong cash-handling policies along with good signage can greatly reduce rates of robbery. One study found that robbery rates drop by 80% when potential robbers know that there’s $50 or less in the cash register.

Silent Panic/Holdup Alarms and Surveillance Cameras
These types of alarms protect your employees in potentially violent robbery situations. They are not useful in preventing robberies but can help to reduce the impact of a robbery in process. Provide proper training on the usage of silent alarms so that employees know how to safely use them.  Ensure that alarms and surveillance cameras are in good working order.

Remove Signage From Windows
Visibility in and out of a convenience store plays an enormous role on the psychological comfort of the would-be robber. If robbers know they can be seen from the outside then the likelihood of a robbery falls. Keep your windows free and clear of any and all signage.

Have Two Employees on Duty During High-Risk Times
Having more than one employee on duty can reduce the risk of robbery during the most high-risk robbery times. It’s vital that both are well trained on violence reduction though, as sometimes two employees are more likely to fight back against robbers.

Provide Adequate Lighting
Adequate lighting is shown to reduce incidents of robbery. Be sure that faces in your parking lot are easily visible from the street. Further, be sure that you’re not creating a glare that could reduce visibility. Strong, white lighting outside of your convenience store can also make your customers feel safer.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com or through the Dover Police Department MyPD Mobile App.

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