FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          December 14, 2007

CARY POLICE ADVISE CITIZENS AND BUSINESS OWNERS TO WATCH FOR HOLIDAY BANDITS

CARY , NC – With the holiday season reaching its peak and in response to a rising number of robberies, the Town of Cary Police Department is encouraging everyone to be extra careful this holiday season to avoid becoming victims of crime.  

The following is a list of tips to help protect you and others:

• Try to stay calm. Don't make any sudden movements to upset an intruder.

• Do exactly as you are told.   DO NOT RESIST!!!

• Don't be a hero. It's better to lose your money than your life.

• Activate your alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly.

• Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him/her, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.

• If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.

• Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him/her later.

• Give the robber time to leave.  

• Note the robber’s direction of travel after he/she leaves if possible.

• Try to get a description of the robber’s vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.

• Ensure that you have adequate staffing, especially during opening and closing a business since the fewer the employees and customers there are around, the more vulnerability there is.

• Only handle cash when the store is closed and the doors are locked.

• Maintain as little cash on site as possible and make frequent bank deposits.

• Hang signs saying that only small amounts of cash are in the register at any time.

• Encourage non-cash transactions. If customers use credit, there is less cash around.

• Have a drop safe to deposit large bills in so they are not in the cash register.

• Routines can be observed by would-be robbers, so do not make cash handling or bank deposits part of a routine.

• Install video surveillance devices.

“Since November 1, 2007 , there have been 11 armed robberies and more than 70 burglaries in Cary ,” said Capt. Dave Wullf.  “Thieves tend to target more victims this time of the year, which is why we’re asking everyone to be cautious and report any suspicious activity.”

Crime Stoppers pays up to $2,500 for the arrest or indictment of those responsible for committing certain types of crimes.  If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers at 226-CRIM(E) or contact Captain Dave Wulff at (919) 469-4017; you may also visit www.carycrimestoppers.net.  All calls will be kept CONFIDENTIAL at caller's request.

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