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(a) Try to vary the time when you leave your business location wherever possible.
(b) Try to vary the time you arrive at the bank wherever possible.
(c) Use different routes to the bank. Do not always use the exact same route since this will add to your risk. Avoid remote, isolated routes. Use frequently traveled routes wherever possible.
(d) Vary your banking habits so that you do not have a set pattern that makes your movements observable and easily predictable. Once the criminal has discovered a pattern of behavior, his crime becomes easier to accomplish.
(e) If you drive to the bank, use different cars once in a while so that it becomes more difficult to predict the exact vehicle you will be using.
(f) Keep your vehicle locked when not in use to prevent unauthorised access to your car.
(g) Before leaving your premises, visually scan the outside to detect strangers who may be waiting for an opportunity to commit a crime.
(h) If you drive to the bank, have your car keys ready as you leave your place of business so that you can enter your vehicle as quickly as possible. Before entering, check the rear seat to make certain no intruder is in your vehicle.
(i) Lock your vehicle immediately after entering and do not open for strangers. Roll your window down a few inches if you have to talk to a stranger.
(j) As a general precaution, do not stop (unless forced to do so) at any other location while en route to ATM.
(k) When approaching the bank, do not pull right up and unlock your door. Visually scan the area to see if any persons are loitering around the bank or sitting in parked vehicles awaiting the opportunity to commit a crime. If the area is not "safe", continue driving and come back later. If you see a police officer or if the police station is nearby, you should advise the police so that they can check out the suspicious individuals in the vicinity of the bank in interest of public safety. They may even escort you back so you can make your transaction safely. In any event, do not try to make your deposit until the area is "safe".
(l) If your premises is relatively close, and you walk to the bank to make your deposit, you can reduce your risk and exposure by
(i) Visually scan outside before leaving the safety of your premises to insure that no strangers are loitering outside.
(ii) Using well-lighted routes containing other pedestrian traffic.
(iii) Walking in the middle of the sidewalk and avoiding walking close to the building line and entrances to doorways and alleys.
(iv) Avoid making any unscheduled stops en route to the bank and particularly avoid stopping for strangers.
(v) Having your deposit and your key ready for immediate use as you approach the depository.
(vi) Securing the deposit on your person wherever possible or disguising the deposit so it is not clearly visible and readily apparent that you are carrying a bank deposit bag.
(vii) As you approach the bank, be particularly alert to any strangers that may be in the vicinity or may be following you. If a stranger is following you continue on to the closest public place as though you had no intention of using the depository. If the stranger is loitering at the bank, call the police and request them to check out the stranger before you attempt to approach the bank. The police may even escort you back to the bank.
(viii) There is usually less risk when two or more persons are making the deposit. Wherever possible, as a friend to accompany you and you will reduce your risk of becoming a robber victim substantially.
(ix) Above all, for your own safety, do not forcibly resist should you ever be threatened by an armed robber. The money can be replaced. You cannot.
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