New guidelines approved to increase safety measures for residents, customers and store employees.
The guidelines are intended to help address the following:
- Nearly half of all business robberies occur at convenience stores.
- Suspects leave little evidence, reducing the possibility of arrests.
- An unsafe environment exists for employees and customers.
- Stores are easy targets without proper prevention measures.
The guidelines require the following safety features be put into effect:
- An alarm system, silent panic or hold-up alarm must be installed.
- Surveillance cameras that capture the images of the store's interior and exterior are to be added, with signature and permit required.
- Enhanced installation requirements for ATMs.
- An unobstructed view of the cash register.
- A trespass affidavit, which authorizes police to enforce trespass laws on the store's behalf.
- Safety training for employees.
- A drop safe.
All of Irving's 250-plus convenience stores are required to comply with the new requirements. Equipment requirements must be in place by January 2010.
