Dangerous robberies in Calif. eateries show need for solid security protocols

Nation's Restaurant News,  Jan 1, 2007  by Lisa Jennings

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They call them the Ski Mask Bandits. They typically come in at losing time and often work in pairs, with ski masks covering their faces. They carry guns, order everyone to the floor and clean out the register--and sometimes the safe. Occasionally they also take watches, jewelry and other personal items off customers. Usually they're in and out in a matter of minutes.

More than 50 restaurant operators in the San Fernando Valley, part of the vast Los Angeles metropolitan area, have reportedly been hit by the bandits during the past two years.

They target all segments--from family-dining outlets like Denny's to upscale independent restaurants along bustling Ventura Boulevard. Over the past summer, they seemed to become more aggressive. During some periods they targeted at least one restaurant every weekend.

Because credit card purchases make up the bulk of restaurant sales, the robbers typically come away with less than $1,000 in cash, according to news reports. The police describe them as "pervasive, persistent and ever present"

For the most part, the bandits are calm and efficient, and no one gets hurt. However, the robbers shot and killed the stepson of the owner of a Thai restaurant in Northridge, Calif., during an attack in 2005.

There have been copycat groups, and some arrests have been made. Still, the Ski Mask Bandits seem to elude capture every time.

Officials from the Los Angeles Police Department met with restaurant operators recently and offered some advice--preventive strategies that could benefit operators in any city.

Here's the advice from LAPD:

* Develop and implement opening and closing security procedures to make your business less vulnerable.

* Have a silent alarm system installed with switches at more than one location within the restaurant. Train employees to use the equipment.

* Place a digital surveillance camera behind the cash register. Even if the suspect is wearing a mask, the camera could capture other features that might help identify him.

* Install cameras and additional lighting in parking lots, which can help in identifying a suspect's vehicle.

* Be aware of who is in your business, particularly at closing time. Report any suspicious activity to the police. If you see a suspicious vehicle in your parking lot, write down the license plate number.

* If you become a victim, do not resist. Pay attention to details, such as the suspect's estimated age, race, height, weight and weapon description. Don't chase or follow the suspect out of the building.

* After the robbery, immediately call 911. Lock the doors and write down everything you can remember about the crime. Await the arrival of police and protect any items or areas touched by the suspect.

ljenning@nm.com

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