KEY POINTS:
Shop owners in Manukau are getting helpful hints on steering would-be criminals away from their stores and knowing how to deal with a robber.
Crime prevention workshops have been set up for small retail owners - particularly owners of dairies, liquor store outlets, minimarts, superettes and town centre businesses - which are seen to be the most vulnerable to armed robberies.
Police give presentations, give out information packs with useful tips and carry out random tests such as asking participants what an "unnoticed" person was wearing - to show the importance of being alert at all times.
Tips include maintaining eye contact with every customer, as potential offenders get uncomfortable when they know they have been recognised.
In a joint effort between police, the Department of Labour and Manukau City Council, the workshops come as a result of last month's tragic events that saw three high-profile killings occur in the Manukau area.
Of those, a liquor store worker was shot and ultimately died as a result of a robbery.
Three workshops have already been held in Manurewa, Old Papatoetoe and Mangere. Another is planned for Otara retailers on August 4.
Bhavik Patel, who works at a liquor outlet in Manurewa, says the workshop he attended was well worth it and he had learned new techniques to counter crime.
"I learned a lot - like putting up mirrors and clearing the entrance of the shop, so we can see more people.
"We've upgraded the camera system and some of them are hidden now."
Mr Patel said many things people took for granted such as taking notice of people's clothes and behaviour were vital details which could prove to be helpful later on, if that person turned out to be a robber.
"It's really made me think. You have to be really observant," he said.
"If you want to take care of your business, it's worth going there [to a workshop] - it's worth taking an extra few hours to go, rather than losing out on life later," Mr Patel said.
A spokesperson at the Department of Labour said the workshops - born out of an initiative in Christchurch where similar workshops were held - aimed to give advice on how to reduce the risk of armed robbery and what to do during a robbery to reduce the chance of being injured.
"The workshops are focused on practical measures retailers can take to reduce the risk.
"This includes things like removing posters and signs from windows, improving lighting, installing CCTV systems and improving shop layouts for better visibility."
Sue Marshall, from Manukau City Council, acknowledged that the workshops were not "the one solution" but says having preventative courses such as these would contribute to cutting down on crime.
Ms Marshall, project manager for town centres and business precincts, acknowledged the importance of reporting crime to the police to bring more awareness of the crime happening.
"Having the shop windows covered - for the criminals, that's what they're looking for - one person can stand at the entrance and then the other can do what he wants in the shop, without anyone seeing from the outside," Ms Marshall said.
Other preventative schemes in the Manukau area include a programme looking at connecting shopkeepers with truancy officers to notify them of any students not at school.
There are also ambassadors walking around shopping centres.
TOP TIPS
* Clear shop windows of large posters and advertisements so the inside of the shop can easily be seen from outside.
* Lower the height of shelves in order to see all customers in the shop.
* Put mirrors up
* Remove any obstacles which may be blocking the entrance, including advertising signs.
* Clear the counter of objects which may block view from the outside.
* Shopkeeper: Be vigilant, pay attention to every customer and maintain eye contact.
