Robbed

We were recently robbed at closing. First everyone is fine, the police caught him that night and he is currently in jail. Just to let you know how fast this can happen; the last car to leave, which left the manager there alone, was at 8:27 pm. By 8:32 we had been robbed and he was off the property. At that time the sun is still up here in CO.

He came to the property just before closing, 8, to use the restroom; this became his story to get back in. The manager was inside just finishing up the day with the door locked, he knocked and said he left his phone in the bathroom, back inside the building.

I am sure you all have policies about letting people back in the building after closing but this should reinforce them. I can't tell you how many times I have stayed just a few minutes to finish up by myself, never again. All employees closing will wait to exit and lock the facility together. Finally they were able to catch him with the help of our camera system. All ended well but just a reminder to stay safe out there, we are a mostly cash business and criminals know it.

Finally he was not very smart-two of the worst wash days of the year.

I was robbed the first week I was open 22 years ago. Ever since, I have had a license to carry a gun. I've been around guns all my life so I'm well experienced in using one (I used to shoot competition). Normally, when I'm alone, I put my double action automatic in my back pocket with the handle sticking out, safety off - ready to go. I don't try to conceal that I have it. I don't look for any trouble - believe me, but I won't be there alone unarmed.
Everyone I am sure, is always aware of their surroundings. In today's drug infested climate we have to be even more aware and cautious.

Joe

www.crowncarwashinc.com

Did he ever find his phone?

He didn't find his phone, but where he is now he won't need it. By the way he was also a prior employee! So don't put it past some of these genius' we've got in our cities.

Ohh employees....I could tell you stories about employee theft

I'm sure you have some stories... Just FYI to everyone 80% of all theft is employee related. However I didn't realize that part of that 80% would involve a 9mm in my face...LOL :)

Adam I completely believe that! I have seen so many employee scams over the years. Most don't have to nerve to pull a gun though. LOL I guess that makes you the lucky one?...umm...err...unlucky one?

I've had several manager that have stolen money. My managers now sign a letter that I prepare that states if any monies are missing or car counts do not agree then the manager is liable for the difference. The letter also states that I am permitted to deduct it from his pay. In Pennsylvania, you cannot just take the money from employees pay. But the letter allows you to do it. This has slowed the theft down quite a bit. I have never had an employee come back to rob me. We wash police cars for five boroughs. There is a police car in the lot several times a day. I like to think that this helps. The police also know my car and hang around across the stree late at night if they know I'm there alone. By the way, we don't make any profit on police cars. I wash their cars dirt cheap, but it keeps them around and is something I can do for the police dept., but they also bring their personal cars too and recommend to others to come in.