Mildred's Sandwich Shop Robbed Again
On December 6, 2000, Mildred's Sandwich shop on East Johnson St. was robbed again. This is at least the third robbery in recent years. According to published reports, this took place around 7:00 p.m., and the robber was armed with a revolver. For the record, police believe that the suspect they caught in Middleton on December 8 is responsible for Mildred's robbery as well as 16 other recent robberies in the city.
While no one was hurt during the robbery at Mildred's, the incident raises the question of safety in this neighborhood and in Madison in general. East Johnson Street is not supposed to be a high-crime area, but rather a business district in our neighborhood. With a gun involved with this robbery, one wonders about more general safety issues.
The issue of accessibility also arises. After the previous robbery of Mildred's, the shop curtailed its hours. This was unfortunate, since it was nice to go to Mildred's for a snack later in the evening. In response to this latest incident, no changes have been made in the hours for Mildred's, and one hopes that no further changes will take place.
Following are a number of steps that people can take if they happen to be victim of an armed robbery. (While these tips are directed at businesses, they apply in almost all situations.)
What to do if an Armed Robbery Occurs:
Don't try to be a hero. It's better to lose your money than your life.
Instruct all employees that in the event of an armed robbery, no one is to take any action that will jeopardize his or her personal safety or the safety of customers.
Advise every staff member to keep the following suggestions in mind:
Try to remain calm.
Consider all firearms to be loaded.
Follow all directions given by robber.
Avoid any action that might excite the robber or cause him/her to be violent.
Be alert to the direction and manner of escape.
Get as much information as possible about the suspect(s) and any vehicle involved, including the plate number if at all possible.
After an Armed Robbery:
Call 911 as soon as possible after the robbery. Call immediately, even if you have already activated an alarm. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, and stay on the phone until instructed to hang up.
Limit access to the area where the crime occurred in case evidence such as fingerprints might be obtained. Close the store and lock the door(s) if you have a key.
As soon as possible after calling the police, write down a description of the robber(s), weapons used, and the means of escape.
Ask any witness to wait until the police arrive so they may give a description of the robber(s). If they can't stay, get their names, phone numbers and addresses.
Do not discuss the details of the robbery with witnesses or fellow employees.
The Madison Police Department offers classes and information about Crime Prevention. For more information, or to schedule a class, please call Officer Jane Lombardo at 266-4238.
Follow your store policies regarding the handling of cash. These policies are usually designed with the prevention of theft and robbery in mind.
Any business may be the potential target of an armed robbery. Be aware of suspicious activity in and around your business.
Limit cash held at the business and publicize the fact. The less cash held on the premises, the less attractive it is as a target. Make more frequent safe and bank deposits.
Avoid routine: If you transport cash, do not establish a routine. Be aware of your surroundings, and of suspicious behavior around you. Vary your route to the bank.
Keep money out of sight. Never count cash in view of customers and don''t discuss earnings in public.
Keep your front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow good, two-way visibility. Keep the outside of your business well lit at night.
If possible, your cash register area should be clearly visible to outside observers. Don't keep large bills under the cash drawer.
Use video camera surveillance and make it well known. Make sure the camera''s view is not obstructed. Be sure to keep video and security equipment in good working condition, and keep it turned on during business hours.
Always have at least two clerks working at opening and closing times. Be sure that the clerk''s duties don''t take them away from the cash register area for long periods of time.
Before closing, check the office, back rooms and rest rooms to make sure no one is hiding inside.
Be aware of security issues. Keep side and back doors locked during business hours. Have employees use the main entrance, if possible.
-James L. Zychowicz
(608) 255-7954