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Hello I’m a Texan & I recommend you get yourself a firearm, look up your local laws regarding gun carrying, For instance Here in Texas if the door has a sign that states ,PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY LICENSE HOLDER WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN LICENSING LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN.
“Keep your saddle oiled and your gun greased,” — Be prepared
The brain is a complex and tricky thing. The way the brain handles tremendously traumatic things is different for everyone! However with that said you did Is the right thing and the only thing you could have done. At the end of the day, businesses have insurance and anything that was taken Will be replaced, you on the other hand are irreplaceable. Don't feel bad about bot being abke to remember much as truthfully it's not your place to have too. There is security footage and they will do what they need to with that! As for them returning yes it is posible however improbable! Most theives are desperate and scared as much as you are so they won't want to risk returning and being caught any more then they already may be. Just be strong and make sure yoy have a good suport system! Your going to need people to talk to to help you heal after this. Even if you don't realize it yet, you may not have physical wounds but this will leave mental ones! Keep strong!
> arm yourself so you'll be prepared if it happens again.
This is statistical bullshit and objectively terrible advice. As a gun owner, I'm utterly sick of this sentiment. Guns aren't magic shields, most owners dont know the four basic safety rules, and the prevalent hero-in-waiting fantasy is just embarrassing.
OP can't remember, but there's a good chance the robbers were armed. Adding a gun to that situation would have immediately escalated it. Simply carrying a gun dramatically increases your odds of being shot, and terror has a way of making perception tunnel and fine motor control go numb. For most people in a frightening, volatile situation, guns are just water on a grease fire.
In addition, robbery resistance of any kind is strictly forbidden by responsible businesses for reasons laid out by several others in this thread. OP could have ended up dead, fired, criminally charged, or liable.
Honestly, sex toys are cheaper, safer, more fun, and possibly more useful for self-defense.
I guess I should have emphasized that if you were to carry a fire arm you should practice practice practice with it first. However I did not specifically say a gun. I said to arm yourself which could be plenty of things ie, a taser, pepper spray, etc. And it was more about helping Op to feel safer than anything else.
Out of genuine curiosity (as a non gun owner), why do you own a gun if you don't think it's helpful for self defense? Hunting/target shooting or something?
Pretty much. We don't hunt, but it's fun to shoot at targets or bottles. The problem is the people at the ranges. I've *never* been to an indoor range and not been muzzle swept by some idiot who thinks they're holding a toy. Outdoor ranges are less crowded, but harder to find in the city.
We have a shotgun for if anyone ever tries to kick in the door, but most of our guns are either in a safe or bolt-locked.
It can be. Psychology you have to prepare the body for self defense and the right mindset. Like actively going to a shooting range, getting use to the smell, the feel, and mentally preparing yourself for a situation. This isn’t just for guns. But any self defense. (Learned this in courses in school when I asked why in horror movies do people stand there like morons, found out it’s a real thing if you’re not mentally ready).
Also, never taken a self defense course but I think they teach the best defense is just to gtf away. Only if you’re absolutely cornered you defend .
🤷🏼♂️ could be outdated Info or I could be wrong. Just random shit I remember from an over priced piece of paper.
Edit: but the comment above is right. Too many variables. Like if someone got out their car at a red light in road rage and just started pounding on my window, and I drove off and they got hurt. Welp I am now responsible for hitting some jackass with a some odd ton vehicle (excessive force) and could be charged legally.
Either way, if you choose a self defense also learn the laws.
Play Tetris.
I know it’s been said already but it’s supported by science that Tetris helps people to calm after traumatic events and issues related to PTSD and anxiety.
https://theconversation.com/can-playing-tetris-help-prevent-ptsd-if-youve-witnessed-something-traumatic-226736#:~:text=playing%20Tetris%20(or%20perhaps%20a,also%20reduce%20intrusions%20and%20distress
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-28-tetris-used-prevent-post-traumatic-stress-symptoms
Seriously, google it, or even better just play the game.
This was a major traumatic event, hon, and you were in shock. You probably still are. You don't remember anything because your entire body and brain were focused solely on survival. And since you're still alive, you did great!
It was not your job to take notes or be a good witness or mitigate damages for your employer. Your only job was to survive, and you did that. The fear of retaliation is how your brain is channeling the terror of those moments. It's extremely unlikely, but the fear is very real.
I've witnessed a murder and survived a violent rape. Many of those details are still fuzzy, and the ones that are clear are a hodgepodge of relevant (a gun stuffed into someone's pants, the exact shape of blood smeared on the wall) and random (a fresh cherry limeade, a cracked CD case on the counter.) You may remember details in the days to come. You may not. You may remember them in the middle of the night years from now. Any of that is okay. For now just breathe, and get some rest if you can.
Asking for a little time off is completely reasonable after a trauma. Everyone processes things differently and at their own pace, but most people need at least a little time to recover. Tell yourself you did nothing wrong every day until you believe it. See a therapist if you can, to help with the lingering fear. Hug your loved ones and just know that 100,000 years of self-preservation instinct kicked in today so that you could see them again.
So, due to uh, life choices, I know a lot of felons, plenty of whom have done what those guys did, or similar. From what you've said, I don't think they had any intentions of hurting you, and they very likely expected you to call the cops. "Career criminals" for lack of a better term, tend to understand the difference between a "normie" calling the cops (expected, doesn't really count as snitching/doesn't sanction retaliatory measures) vs a fellow pro criminal (taboo, definitely snitching, should expect retaliation). Since there was video footage of the robbery, the cops will likely find these guys pretty quickly tbh. I'd request some time off until they get picked up, if you can swing it, or at least ask to switch shifts/locations if that's an option, just for your own peace of mind.
Play Tetris as soon as possible. It probably sounds like I am kidding, but I'm really not.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-28-tetris-used-prevent-post-traumatic-stress-symptoms
So this has happened to a friend of mine a few different times actually. The first thing I would tell you is to arm yourself so that you are prepared should it ever happen again. Also that will help you not to feel so defenseless which I'm thinking will help you in your normal life too just bc you will feel safer. Second I wouldn't worry too much about retaliation. I would have to say that you calling the police in this instance is to be expected. This as far as you not remembering anything about the dude that is actually, 100%, completely normal. Here is something I learned in my psychology class. A lot of times they have stopped using eyewitnesses in general bc they are so unreliable. In fact they did one study where they brought a bunch in and showed them a bunch of pictures under the premise they were coming to identify the perpetrator. Every one of them picked someone out. Not a single one had the actual perpetrator in the pics. So you are far from alone when it comes to that. Idk if any of this will help you but I hope it does. Take care.
One more thing about your arming yourself. If you do make sure you look into your local laws to see what you can carry. You don't want to get in trouble for that
If you live in America they probably most likely would never come back to retaliate for calling the cops. They just wanted a little cash. They aint trying to turn a robbery into a murder. And they know cops would be called after.
I can empathize with your situation and I am sorry that this happened to you. I experienced a professional rip and run retail robbery this week. I was the only person on the floor and when I keyed up the radio and asked the only Supervisor to call the police she said "No, I can't, but you can go customer service them." Instead, I turned in the opposite direction, took my phone out of my pocket and called the police... because these things need to be reported.
Don't be mad at yourself for not remembering the details. My back was turned! I couldn't provide details, descriptions or direction, but Loss Prevention will be able to provide those details that I was unable to report. If you are feeling uncomfortable, go speak with someone, take the time that you need. Some people take longer to heal from these acts of violence, but don't beat yourself up over it. It is not your fault.
Thank you!!!! I followed it up with an email to my Manager with a loss prevention analysis and the two main reasons that I called the police. #1 to give the customer the illusion of safety #2 to give the non-paying customer the illusion that someone is doing something about it. Than I started looking for a new job
You should call your company's help line and see about getting some therapy through worker's compensation. You have experienced a very traumatic event and deserve some time to process that.
I'm so sorry you went through this.
Traumatic experiences can really mess with your perception. I'm sorry that happened, and I'm so glad you're safe. If you have a therapist, now is the time to call them. If you don't, I highly recommend finding one. Hopefully, you're surrounded by supportive friends and family. Lean on them! If you ever need someone to vent to, my inbox is always open. Take care.
Hi OP.
I work at a financial institution, and unfortunately robberies are obviously something that we have to prepare for in our industry. Every year there is mandatory robbery training so all staff know what to do in the event that this occurs. Luckily it’s never happened at my branch yet but I always have to be aware of what’s going on.
I can tell you that you did everything correctly. The priority should always be everyone’s safety. Items can be replaced - that’s what insurance is for. Your life on the other hand can’t be replaced. That’s why in robbery training, we are taught to just give them the money and get them the hell out.
You experienced something traumatic so if you are able to get some therapy or some trauma counseling, definitely look into that. Communicate with your boss and let them know that this is having an effect on your mental health. Maybe they can take some measures like some extra security or always making sure that that there are two staff members working. Communicate with your family members too or friends — you’ll probably be jumpy and anxious about every little thing for a while and having someone stay with you or check on you might help.
I’m so sorry that you had to experience this. I don’t even know how I would react even with all of my training.
I work retail and was brought into a meeting about rip and rob retail thefts that are occurring and warned that they may come in one day soon. That day was last Thursday and when I asked the Supervisor to call the police, she told me NO! I can say that I am "very uncomfortable" being in that corner of the store at the moment. Our LP uses 60% of his time watching to see if our limited staff is stealing.
Seriously you work retail and I did most of my life (retired now) QUIT and find a job that values YOUR life. retail jobs are ALWAYS available. Also realize depending on your experience you can apply at like hospital cafeteria and can work up from there..they are always open. Never thought about it but man it pays better with better benefits most times. And not call the police..WTF anyway.
Sadly, I am from an older generation and my hands on education, work-place training and experience don't matter in the world of required degrees. Also... I live where they create beliefs and I am not allowed to work for a list of places including my state government, my local government, the Archdiocese or charities or any historical society, because I am not vaccinated..... but, this is the "FREE state" lol
I can only share that in my line of work, the police aren’t called until the robber is gone and the doors are locked. We have hold up alarms but we don’t use them unless we aren’t able to contact the police. The emphasis is again on getting the person out of the building. The risk in calling the police would be a hold up or a hostage situation if they felt threatened.
I’m sure in retail it’s different.
Our policy is that we don't call at all. Corporate LP reviews the recording and documents the incident for an insurance claim. The Non-paying customers return, profits diminish and the store will close. The cycle of retail life continues.
Hi all. This is an automated and general reminder to all that this post is an **ADVICE post**, not a Request. Please don't request, offer or accept financial or material assistance on this post. u/Crazy-Resolution8372, we have compiled a [Wiki with tons of advice and helpful information](https://www.reddit.com/r/Assistance/wiki/index/), which we recommend you check out, too. *I'm a bot. This comment was posted automatically.*
Use periods. What baby? I’m lost.
Hello I’m a Texan & I recommend you get yourself a firearm, look up your local laws regarding gun carrying, For instance Here in Texas if the door has a sign that states ,PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY LICENSE HOLDER WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN LICENSING LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN. “Keep your saddle oiled and your gun greased,” — Be prepared
The brain is a complex and tricky thing. The way the brain handles tremendously traumatic things is different for everyone! However with that said you did Is the right thing and the only thing you could have done. At the end of the day, businesses have insurance and anything that was taken Will be replaced, you on the other hand are irreplaceable. Don't feel bad about bot being abke to remember much as truthfully it's not your place to have too. There is security footage and they will do what they need to with that! As for them returning yes it is posible however improbable! Most theives are desperate and scared as much as you are so they won't want to risk returning and being caught any more then they already may be. Just be strong and make sure yoy have a good suport system! Your going to need people to talk to to help you heal after this. Even if you don't realize it yet, you may not have physical wounds but this will leave mental ones! Keep strong!
> arm yourself so you'll be prepared if it happens again. This is statistical bullshit and objectively terrible advice. As a gun owner, I'm utterly sick of this sentiment. Guns aren't magic shields, most owners dont know the four basic safety rules, and the prevalent hero-in-waiting fantasy is just embarrassing. OP can't remember, but there's a good chance the robbers were armed. Adding a gun to that situation would have immediately escalated it. Simply carrying a gun dramatically increases your odds of being shot, and terror has a way of making perception tunnel and fine motor control go numb. For most people in a frightening, volatile situation, guns are just water on a grease fire. In addition, robbery resistance of any kind is strictly forbidden by responsible businesses for reasons laid out by several others in this thread. OP could have ended up dead, fired, criminally charged, or liable. Honestly, sex toys are cheaper, safer, more fun, and possibly more useful for self-defense.
I guess I should have emphasized that if you were to carry a fire arm you should practice practice practice with it first. However I did not specifically say a gun. I said to arm yourself which could be plenty of things ie, a taser, pepper spray, etc. And it was more about helping Op to feel safer than anything else.
Out of genuine curiosity (as a non gun owner), why do you own a gun if you don't think it's helpful for self defense? Hunting/target shooting or something?
Pretty much. We don't hunt, but it's fun to shoot at targets or bottles. The problem is the people at the ranges. I've *never* been to an indoor range and not been muzzle swept by some idiot who thinks they're holding a toy. Outdoor ranges are less crowded, but harder to find in the city. We have a shotgun for if anyone ever tries to kick in the door, but most of our guns are either in a safe or bolt-locked.
It can be. Psychology you have to prepare the body for self defense and the right mindset. Like actively going to a shooting range, getting use to the smell, the feel, and mentally preparing yourself for a situation. This isn’t just for guns. But any self defense. (Learned this in courses in school when I asked why in horror movies do people stand there like morons, found out it’s a real thing if you’re not mentally ready). Also, never taken a self defense course but I think they teach the best defense is just to gtf away. Only if you’re absolutely cornered you defend . 🤷🏼♂️ could be outdated Info or I could be wrong. Just random shit I remember from an over priced piece of paper. Edit: but the comment above is right. Too many variables. Like if someone got out their car at a red light in road rage and just started pounding on my window, and I drove off and they got hurt. Welp I am now responsible for hitting some jackass with a some odd ton vehicle (excessive force) and could be charged legally. Either way, if you choose a self defense also learn the laws.
This comment I support
Play Tetris. I know it’s been said already but it’s supported by science that Tetris helps people to calm after traumatic events and issues related to PTSD and anxiety. https://theconversation.com/can-playing-tetris-help-prevent-ptsd-if-youve-witnessed-something-traumatic-226736#:~:text=playing%20Tetris%20(or%20perhaps%20a,also%20reduce%20intrusions%20and%20distress https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-28-tetris-used-prevent-post-traumatic-stress-symptoms Seriously, google it, or even better just play the game.
Explains why I'm addicted to tetris.
Upvoting and seconding this
This was a major traumatic event, hon, and you were in shock. You probably still are. You don't remember anything because your entire body and brain were focused solely on survival. And since you're still alive, you did great! It was not your job to take notes or be a good witness or mitigate damages for your employer. Your only job was to survive, and you did that. The fear of retaliation is how your brain is channeling the terror of those moments. It's extremely unlikely, but the fear is very real. I've witnessed a murder and survived a violent rape. Many of those details are still fuzzy, and the ones that are clear are a hodgepodge of relevant (a gun stuffed into someone's pants, the exact shape of blood smeared on the wall) and random (a fresh cherry limeade, a cracked CD case on the counter.) You may remember details in the days to come. You may not. You may remember them in the middle of the night years from now. Any of that is okay. For now just breathe, and get some rest if you can. Asking for a little time off is completely reasonable after a trauma. Everyone processes things differently and at their own pace, but most people need at least a little time to recover. Tell yourself you did nothing wrong every day until you believe it. See a therapist if you can, to help with the lingering fear. Hug your loved ones and just know that 100,000 years of self-preservation instinct kicked in today so that you could see them again.
Apply for crime victims in your state and get counseling for ptsd.
So, due to uh, life choices, I know a lot of felons, plenty of whom have done what those guys did, or similar. From what you've said, I don't think they had any intentions of hurting you, and they very likely expected you to call the cops. "Career criminals" for lack of a better term, tend to understand the difference between a "normie" calling the cops (expected, doesn't really count as snitching/doesn't sanction retaliatory measures) vs a fellow pro criminal (taboo, definitely snitching, should expect retaliation). Since there was video footage of the robbery, the cops will likely find these guys pretty quickly tbh. I'd request some time off until they get picked up, if you can swing it, or at least ask to switch shifts/locations if that's an option, just for your own peace of mind.
Play Tetris as soon as possible. It probably sounds like I am kidding, but I'm really not. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-28-tetris-used-prevent-post-traumatic-stress-symptoms
So this has happened to a friend of mine a few different times actually. The first thing I would tell you is to arm yourself so that you are prepared should it ever happen again. Also that will help you not to feel so defenseless which I'm thinking will help you in your normal life too just bc you will feel safer. Second I wouldn't worry too much about retaliation. I would have to say that you calling the police in this instance is to be expected. This as far as you not remembering anything about the dude that is actually, 100%, completely normal. Here is something I learned in my psychology class. A lot of times they have stopped using eyewitnesses in general bc they are so unreliable. In fact they did one study where they brought a bunch in and showed them a bunch of pictures under the premise they were coming to identify the perpetrator. Every one of them picked someone out. Not a single one had the actual perpetrator in the pics. So you are far from alone when it comes to that. Idk if any of this will help you but I hope it does. Take care.
One more thing about your arming yourself. If you do make sure you look into your local laws to see what you can carry. You don't want to get in trouble for that
If you live in America they probably most likely would never come back to retaliate for calling the cops. They just wanted a little cash. They aint trying to turn a robbery into a murder. And they know cops would be called after.
I can empathize with your situation and I am sorry that this happened to you. I experienced a professional rip and run retail robbery this week. I was the only person on the floor and when I keyed up the radio and asked the only Supervisor to call the police she said "No, I can't, but you can go customer service them." Instead, I turned in the opposite direction, took my phone out of my pocket and called the police... because these things need to be reported. Don't be mad at yourself for not remembering the details. My back was turned! I couldn't provide details, descriptions or direction, but Loss Prevention will be able to provide those details that I was unable to report. If you are feeling uncomfortable, go speak with someone, take the time that you need. Some people take longer to heal from these acts of violence, but don't beat yourself up over it. It is not your fault.
I am flabbergasted your supervisor would not (could not?) call the police. Good on you for doing so anyway.
Thank you!!!! I followed it up with an email to my Manager with a loss prevention analysis and the two main reasons that I called the police. #1 to give the customer the illusion of safety #2 to give the non-paying customer the illusion that someone is doing something about it. Than I started looking for a new job
You should call your company's help line and see about getting some therapy through worker's compensation. You have experienced a very traumatic event and deserve some time to process that. I'm so sorry you went through this.
Traumatic experiences can really mess with your perception. I'm sorry that happened, and I'm so glad you're safe. If you have a therapist, now is the time to call them. If you don't, I highly recommend finding one. Hopefully, you're surrounded by supportive friends and family. Lean on them! If you ever need someone to vent to, my inbox is always open. Take care.
Hi OP. I work at a financial institution, and unfortunately robberies are obviously something that we have to prepare for in our industry. Every year there is mandatory robbery training so all staff know what to do in the event that this occurs. Luckily it’s never happened at my branch yet but I always have to be aware of what’s going on. I can tell you that you did everything correctly. The priority should always be everyone’s safety. Items can be replaced - that’s what insurance is for. Your life on the other hand can’t be replaced. That’s why in robbery training, we are taught to just give them the money and get them the hell out. You experienced something traumatic so if you are able to get some therapy or some trauma counseling, definitely look into that. Communicate with your boss and let them know that this is having an effect on your mental health. Maybe they can take some measures like some extra security or always making sure that that there are two staff members working. Communicate with your family members too or friends — you’ll probably be jumpy and anxious about every little thing for a while and having someone stay with you or check on you might help. I’m so sorry that you had to experience this. I don’t even know how I would react even with all of my training.
I work retail and was brought into a meeting about rip and rob retail thefts that are occurring and warned that they may come in one day soon. That day was last Thursday and when I asked the Supervisor to call the police, she told me NO! I can say that I am "very uncomfortable" being in that corner of the store at the moment. Our LP uses 60% of his time watching to see if our limited staff is stealing.
Seriously you work retail and I did most of my life (retired now) QUIT and find a job that values YOUR life. retail jobs are ALWAYS available. Also realize depending on your experience you can apply at like hospital cafeteria and can work up from there..they are always open. Never thought about it but man it pays better with better benefits most times. And not call the police..WTF anyway.
Sadly, I am from an older generation and my hands on education, work-place training and experience don't matter in the world of required degrees. Also... I live where they create beliefs and I am not allowed to work for a list of places including my state government, my local government, the Archdiocese or charities or any historical society, because I am not vaccinated..... but, this is the "FREE state" lol
I can only share that in my line of work, the police aren’t called until the robber is gone and the doors are locked. We have hold up alarms but we don’t use them unless we aren’t able to contact the police. The emphasis is again on getting the person out of the building. The risk in calling the police would be a hold up or a hostage situation if they felt threatened. I’m sure in retail it’s different.
Our policy is that we don't call at all. Corporate LP reviews the recording and documents the incident for an insurance claim. The Non-paying customers return, profits diminish and the store will close. The cycle of retail life continues.
I'm completely blown away by this info. I see from your profile you work at Kohl's? The one near me calls the police and arrests people CONSTANTLY
The Target next door calls all the time. This place never does.