Hi all,

Please see the attached information concerning a Disaster Response Workshop run by T.L.C. in conjunction with Philip Patston from Diversity NZ.

Hope to see you there.

Regards
Tony

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all in the Canterbury region trying to deal with the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake. A trying time for all with this event impacting the entire nation.

Events such as this generally bring people together with a common goal of assistance and mutual support. Unfortunately though, for the criminal element amongst us it creates the ideal opportunity to do what they do…rip you off. I cannot fathom and get my head around how anyone can stoop so low as to take advantage of distressing situations such as this adding to the worry and concern by stealing from those in such circumstances.

However…there are those within our society who require more support than others…not only in disaster recovery but certainly in the area of basic safety and security. They are those with special needs.

Those with special needs are with out a doubt our most vulnerable citizens who require more support and assistance than those who are non-diasbaled…particularly in situations such as disaster recovery.

The recent burglary of a school in Christchurch that supports our special needs children is absolutely appalling. It is sickening to think that there are those amongst us who will take the opportunity to commit such an act. Having first hand experience with the disability sector I fully understand the struggle that these organisations have in trying to secure good resources to support the learning for our children with special needs.

Security of assets becomes a vital concern for us all after a situation such as this. There are a number of factors that increase risk during these times:

– Emergency services are stretched – especially the Police.
– The integrity and physical security of buildings is reduced or negated.
– Security company resources are limited.
– Security hardware such as alarms, cameras and access control systems are degraded.
– Situations such as this create desperation.

My suggestion to all as part of your emergency planning process is to discuss your specific security concerns with a licensed security company. Find out what they can do for you in terms of physical security for your property after events such as this. However, it must be realised that they too can have issues in getting security staff to your site under these conditions.

Having things in place before an event occurs certainly reduces risk.

I am currently in discussions with Philip Patston from DiversityNZ with the view of running a free workshop for the disabled focusing on disaster planning and the unique considerations they have, not only in surviving a disaster but certainly what needs to be considered after the event…security will be on the agenda. I will keep you updated on progress.

The recent aggravated robbery in Tauranga where a female staff  member was confronted by an offender carrying a sawn off shotgun is a timely reminder that a high risk time of the day/night for staff is at closing time.

This particular event occured at 1215 am as the staff member was cashing up. There are a number of factors that contribute to the risk of robbery occuring at this time:

• Not alot of people around.
• Stocks of cash are onsite from the days business.
• Normally low light conditions.
• The vigilant mindset of most people at this time is probably not as alert as it could be.
• Staff are tired.
• At some stage staff need to leave the building…often unaccompanied and on foot.

These factors alone increase the chance of staff becoming victims of an aggravated robbery.

A few things to consider to reduce the risk at this time of the day/night.

• Ensure all customers are out then lock the door.
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked when cashing up.
• Do not allow after hours customer.
• Make sure alarms are set before leaving the site.
• Try and leave with someone else.
• Try and get your vehicle close to the exit to minimise your time on foot.
• Have keys ready.
• Check your vehicle before getting in.
• Arrange for staff escorts if there is a perceived risk.
• Talk on a cell phone.
• If you see anything suspicious do not leave. Stay inside and contact the Police.
• If you are being followed do not go home…go towards help where there are people.

We are all empowered to do as much as we can to minimise risk and reduce harm.

Regards

Tony

I was asked as a result of my previous blog to provide an explanation concerning the difference between Robbery and Burglary.

For those that wish to explore further the New Zealand Crimes Act 1961 is the driving piece of legislation detailing all criminal offences in New Zealand. Contained within you will find the legal definitions, the key elements that constitute each offence, the penalties that can be awarded if convicted and the differing degrees of severity.

For some people there is on occasion confusion surrounding these two different offences.

Lets focus on robbery.

Keeping it simple robbery is defined as ‘theft accompanied with violence or the threat of violence’. Obviously there are varying degrees of severity in relation to this offence with the most common being referred to as ‘aggravated robbery’. For an offence to escalate to being ‘aggravated’ there needs to be three key elements present:

1. The presence of a weapon;

2. Grievous Bodily Harm (G.B.H.); or,

3. More than one offender.

A dangerous and traumatic event for those that are subjected to this offence.

It is important that if you are the victim of a robbery that you do as much as you can to facilitate the key objectives that the offender wants in order to enhance your safety and that of others.

The common objectives for all robbers are to gain CONTROL, get what they are there for, normally CASH, and then to ESCAPE. It is vital during a robbery that these three objectives are met as safely and as qucikly as possible. If you elect not to facilitate these requirements, more often than not you will see an escalation in aggression towards the victims…obviously creating a more dangerous situation.

If you would like to know more about how you can enhance your safety during a robbery, what you need to consider in terms of managing the scene afterwards and just as important, what you can do to reduce the risk of robbery occuring. I would be happy to hear from you to discuss further.

Burglary on the other hand is a different offence.

Burglary is defined as ‘entering with intent to commit a crime therein’.

If you arrive home to find that your house has been broken into then you are a vitim of a burglary not a robbery.

However, if a burglar is disturbed during the event as we have recently been privy to in the media,  it can create a situation that can very quickly escalate out of control. Bungled burglaries can lead to more serious offences such as aggravated assault, kidnap, rape and sometimes murder. Scary stuff.

My advice to everyone if you are the victim of an offence such as robbery or burglary is to get the Police involved as quickly as possbile.

TIP: – Emergency Police Contact

• Calm yourself and remain calm.

• Dial outside line 111

• Ask for the Police

• Advise them of what has happened

• Provide as much information as possible

• Remain on the line and follow instructions.

I sincerly wish to you all that you never have to experience anything such as a burglary or robbery, but I also wish that in the event you become a victim, you take the time as best as you can to consider your safest and most viable option(s).

I look forward to hearing from you .

Regards

Tony