Be on the lookout for Vermont State Police troopers, who'll be out in force in the business community speaking with business owners, managers, and line workers about what everyone can do to stay safe and alert in a robbery - and increase the chances of a successful prosecution.
A weapon in the police arsenal that you can use: a form identifying what to do, what to look for, and what to listen for in the event of a robbery. These tips show everyone how to be a good witness, which will help law enforcement and, ideally, lead to the suspect's arrest.
Troopers will be available in the new year to answer questions about this form, offer suggestions on keeping employees safe in the event crime strikes, and offer tips on how to aid in an investigation.
Police said in a press release that you can also find the form at vsp.vermont.gov/crime_prevention/robbery.
According to the VSP, there have been 50 reported armed robberies in Vermont in 2013, including 19 incidents where a handgun was displayed. This is about average for the past four years, police said.