Hold-up
Hold-ups mean violence and danger for the victims. Material goods can be replaced, health cannot. Robbers are under huge stress. They can completely misunderstand spontaneous reactions of the victim and react irrationally. The perpetrators usually force the victim to take out money and personal property (e.g. mobile telephone, jewellery) with the use of a weapon.
Financial institutions and also smaller businesses, money couriers and passers-by can be victims of hold-ups. Hold-up attacks on shops, travel agencies, currency exchange offices, money couriers and petrol stations are rarely mere chance acts, they are «opportunities» scouted out by the perpetrators. Hold-ups are also committed if only small takings are expected. In many cases it is a drug-related crime committed by addicts.
- Tips
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- Do not carry large amounts of money with you.
- If possible take money only from cash machines located indoors.
- Do not count the money in public.
- Avoid dark, badly lit and remote streets and pathways. The shortest way is not always the safest.
- Behaviour in the event of a hold-up
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- The most important reaction: keep calm.
- Avoid ill-considered action. Do not put your life in danger with pointless resistance.
- Always make sure the perpetrator can see your hands clearly and do not make any sudden movements.
- Make sure the perpetrator understands that you are going to comply with his demands.
- Procedure after a hold-up
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- Act quickly and in a considered way.
- Give first aid to injured people.
- Notify the police immediately by calling the emergency number 117.
- If possible observe the escape route of the perpetrator and take note of any possible information on a vehicle such as colour, brand, model and number plate.
- Write down the personal description of the perpetrator immediately.
- Ask any witnesses to wait until the police arrive or write down their addresses or telephone numbers. Your information on the perpetrator is very important for the police. Remember any distinctive features from which you believe you will be able to clearly recognise the robber or robbers at a later point.
- Characteristics specific to the perpetrator: birthmarks, scars, tattoos, piercings, bearing, gait, accent
- General characteristics: age, height, build, skin and hair colour, clothes, language, type of weapon, objects taken along
