Are You in the Clear Zone? - Peel Regional Police

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Results re- vealed the top three most important factors to criminals in making the fi- nal choice to rob a specific stor
by Constable Amy Boudreau

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

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The Clear Zone Program was developed to discourage robberies by placing the robber on stage.

Constable Amy Boudreau

Are you in the Clear Zone? If given the choice, a criminal would prefer to work behind closed doors or covered/cluttered windows. The Clear Zone Program was developed to discourage robberies by placing the robber on stage. The program was created because convenience stores and gas stations have one of the highest rates of robbery incidents. These high robbery rates have provoked leaders of the convenience store industry, public safety officials, and crime prevention practitioners to search for ways to reduce incidents of robbery and enhance the safety of both employees and customers. Research has shown that certain stores are more prone to robberies and injuries than others, that some stores are more vulnerable than others, that

they are more frequently targeted than others... well, why is that? Researchbased evidence has exposed a causal connection between environmental influences and robberies. Results revealed the top three most important factors to criminals in making the final choice to rob a specific store location was 1) the amount of money they could obtain, 2) having an easy escape route, and 3) keeping their anonymity-in other words remaining unknown. Criminals do not want to get caught; they want to get in and out quickly without being seen and would prefer to work behind closed doors, or in this case, behind cluttered windows where they can hide. Keeping a clear sight line by removing window signage and placing the

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cash handling area in clear view of the outside has been shown to deter robberies for this exact reason. As a result of this research, some police services, such as Peel Regional Police, which is responsible for policing the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and leading C-store chains, such as Mac’s Convenience Stores, have instituted specific robbery prevention strategies similar to the Clear Zone Robbery Prevention Program, which is the focus of this article. The concept of Clear Zone was developed by Cst. Tom McKay, who has been the catalyst for many of the programs in our Crime Prevention unit over the last 25+ years, and he serves as the longest Crime Prevention Officer at Peel Regional Police and in Canada. Cst. McKay, who is retiring this May, has rightfully claimed the, title of has been a top specialist in Canada for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (pronounced Sep-Ted or better known as C.P.T.E.D.) and has been recognized for being designated as an expert by the Police Executive Research Forum in Washington D.C. on Crime Prevention. The Clear Zone Robbery Prevention Program was a program sparked by Tom in 2010 designed in 2010 to discourage convenience store robberies by using research-based evidence influences. With support from our Crime Prevention team, our supervisors in Community Support, and our Chief ’s Management Group the program was successfully rolled out across Peel Region in 2014. So what exactly is The Clear Zone Robbery Prevention Program? As mentioned, window signage has historically been an issue in the C-Store/Gas industry with it being identified as a causal factor for robberies in numerous studies. Many store owners will often place promotional material in the windows not realizing they are providing cover for potential criminals to commit their crimes without being seen. Signage and promotional material over time may collect in the windows, obstructing the view from both inside and outside the store providing the perfect “cover” for criminals to stay hidden. The Clear Zone Robbery Prevention Program was developed to reduce convenience store

and gas station robberies through the implementation of an innovative “Clear Zone” window decal. This decal is intended to discourage robbers by creating a visually impactful “window within a window” that is strategically placed to increase witness potential while also putting the robber “on stage.” The decal further serves as a reminder to store owners to keep the window free of signage and the area clutter free. How does the program work? The Clear Zone program works by identifying a prominent window that strategically overlooks the cash handling area. It is imperative that the window is directly in front of, or closest to, the sales counter area and is kept free of signage and clutter. For instance, shelving gondolas with merchandise stacked against the windows or display units will effectively block the view and should be removed. The reasoning behind choosing this area is because the majority of transactions, including robberies, take place at the sales counter. Once this window is identified, it is highlighted and defined through the application of the blue Clear Zone decal around the window. Having the Peel Regional Police logo directly on the decal, along with the printed words “Robbery Prevention Program,” fosters a sense of police presence and acts as a visual deterrent to criminals. Ultimately, the program strives to deter criminals from targeting the store location altogether because of the inherent risks of getting caught. We do this by stripping away their anonymity in the CLEAR ZONE. In the event that a robbery does occur, a clear line of sight will dramatically increase the ability of passersrby’s to see what is happening inside the store from the parking lot or street, and may prompt them to phone police if needed. Increasing the possibility of witnesses and the likelihood of identifying the suspect are what’s gained here. Many criminals are often repeat offenders and, by identifying these individuals, police increase their chances of stopping them and preventing other robberies from occurring in the future. In Peel Region, the Clear Zone Robbery Prevention Program is offered as

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

part of the Robbery Prevention & Sur- Sean Sportun, ICPS Manager, Security & vival Kit, which is available free of charge Loss Prevention for Mac’s Convenience to businesses who are located in the Cit- Stores in Central Canada. “The Peel Poies of Brampton and Mississauga. Store lice Clear Zone initiative is a simple yet owners can sign up for the program effective way to remind our employees through the Crime Prevention section to keep the windows--especially around of the Peel Regional Police website at the pay point area--free of clutter and www.peelpolice.ca, or phone Crime Pre- signage, while achieving the “fish bowl” vention Services directly to be added to visibility effect.” the list (905-453-2121 Ext:4021). Once Shortly after Mac’s introduced contacted, a Crime Prevention officer the Clear Zone program, indications will attend your store location to con- showed the program was contributing duct a security assessment and to install to a downward trend in the overall inthe materials. The kit contains a num- cidents of crime at their Peel Region lober of resources and cations by more than decals that will help to Mac’s introduced the Clear 41%. Having these Zone program, indications discourage and/or deal measurable results, showed the program was with a robbery, in the contributing to a downward Sportun expanded the event that one occurs. program into five othtrend in the overall incidents Like most police or- of crime at their Peel Region er locations in Ontario ganizations, our Crime locations by more than 41%. (Ottawa and Thunder Prevention Services Bay) to further gauge unit at Peel Regional Police is the re- the success of the program in those search and policy centre for prevention markets. programs and crime reduction strateMac’s rebranded the wording on the gies. By researching crime trends in the Peel Regional Police Clear Zone decal, region, our unit aims to proactively of- renaming it the “Clear Zone Communifer programs and education to support ty Safety Program” (which included the citizens and commercial businesses in company’s Mac’s Crime Busters logo) protecting their families, homes and and then introduced the concept into workplace, to promote the highest the identified locations outside Peel level of community safety. Our work is Region in January , 2015. The overall indedicated to preventing crimes from cidents of crime at these new locations happening in the first place, or, at least, trended downward as well, further supminimizing crimes the best we can by porting the theory that enhanced visworking together with all stakeholders. ibility assists in the reduction of crime. Recognizing the importance of work- Sportun adds: “As a result of the coning together with the community, Crime tinued success, we are currently workStoppers, and law enforcement to help ing towards rolling out the Clear Zone stop, solve and prevent crime against Program in all locations across Central retailers, Mac’s Convenience Stores be- Canada, which will be an excellent comcame the first convenience store chain plement to other crime prevention proto partner with Peel Regional Police, im- grams we currently have in place.” plementing The Clear Zone Program in Protecting against the risk of robbery all its store locations across Peel Region. is crucial in the C-store/Gas industry. It is apparent that Mac’s is committed As such, we encourage retailers to conto accomplishing their vision by mak- tact their local police service to find out ing Crime Prevention an integral part what resources are available to them. of their corporate responsibility; dem- We recognize that some communities onstrating why they remain the leader may not have access to the same rein the C-store industry. Maintaining a sources as Peel Regional Police, or that safe and secure environment for their some smaller independent businesses customers and employees through pro- may not have access to the same securiactive measures is their foremost con- ty support that their larger counterparts cern. “Maintaining clear visibility into might have, which is why sharing this and out of our stores is important,” says type of information is important.

Robbery Prevention Tips: 1. Provide all staff with robbery prevention training – provide periodic reviews. 2. Reduce the amount of cash on hand. 3. Make frequent cash drops. 4. Post Limited Cash on Hand decal, Height Chart, & Robbery Prevention Program in effect decals where appropriate. 5. Install a drop safe. 6. Ensure the video surveillance system is working properly. 7. Provide/maintain sufficient amount of light internally and externally. 8. Remove all excessive window signage/clutter from the sales area and other critical lines of sight. 9. Watch for and report suspicious activity. 10. Greet and make eye contact with all customers. 11. Try to remain calm & comply with the robber. 12. Tell the robber everything you are going to do. 13. Give ONLY what you are asked for. 14. Try to note at least one distinguishing characteristic of the robber, surfaces touched, weapon description, and direction of travel. 15. Don’t assume there is no weapon. 16. Don’t argue, resist, fight, or use a weapon. 17. Don’t make sudden movements

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What’s great about the Clear Zone For more information please visit Cst. Amy Boudreau is assigned to Crime Prevention Services and is an active member program is the concept behind how within the organization on many levels. Amy is certified in Crime Prevention and why it works; any store operator Through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D.) Level 1, and holds a Professional can take these easy-to-use suggestions to improve safety in their own loca- Communications Certificate from the University of Toronto and a Sociology/ Criminology Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Windsor. She is currently tions. After reading this, try evaluating the security of your own store by look- enrolled in a Leadership program at the University of Waterloo. She truly has a passion for making a difference and believes in building each other up through ing and walking around to see what you positive partnerships. Amy can be contacted at: see. Or, more importantly, what you email: [email protected] don’t see. Can the cash handling area Facebook: facebook.com/PeelRegionalPolice be viewed through the windows? Note Twitter: @PeelCrimePrev where you need improvements and youtube.com/ThePeelPolice can make changes. Information that can improve safety should be shared amongst all communities; for that reason, This program is not meant to it will truly benefit be a robbery-proof solution, everyone to work to- but is intended to be shared gether, share informa- as an added layer of security tion, and help others to reduce the chances of in the industry who you becoming a victim of may want to strength- crime. en their security programs. This program is not meant to be a robbery-proof solution, but is intended to be shared as an added layer of security to reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of crime. Provincial safety entities, such as the Ontario Ministry of Labour, have also outlined recommendations for retailHole-In-One Canada has been providing professional golf tournament planning and hosting in Ontario since 2001. ers to maintain clear windows. The Ministry’s “Work in late-night retail? “We create great golf experiences.” Alone?” program states each employer should “ensure the premises has good We offer turn-key programs such as: visibility with clear sight lines not  An easy to use event website with on-line signup and payment options blocked by signs on windows or objects  Mobile app for on-course mobile scoring, GPS and/or Real Time Tracking in the store.”  Hole-In-One programs (Supreme, Gold, Silver, Bronze or Customized) The Clear Zone program is currently  Course Selection expanding in Peel Region to other re Event greeters  SWAG bags tailer establishments, such as pharma Hole-in-One prizes (Cars, Cash, TV’s ) cies, pizza restaurants, cash advance  On course and hole prizes (closest to the pin, longest drive etc.) stores and other locations that can  Drop sheet prizes benefit from this program. It is through engaged partnerships, meaningful collaboration and relevant Or we can work with you to build a package to fit within your budget. outcomes that we can all benefit toHole In One Canada provides you with a great experience gether. Crime prevention is a shared for your staff and your customers. responsibility between the community and the police. Help spread the word by sharing For more information please visit www.hole-in-one.ca this information. Or contact [email protected] peelpolice.ca/TheClearZone 905-584-0424

Available in Ontario only