So, I just got robbed at gunpoint at work

[Bomberboyokay]

Northern Ireland has a lot of guns and that place is ****ing wonderful.

 

[peternorth]

It's actually hard to describe. I saw the guy approach the window with a t shirt around his head and I remember thinking 'ah shit, here we go' as he pointed the gun at me. I actually kind of went into a robotic state, became disconnected I guess in a way. Just grabbed the money and gave it to him. Funniest part was he asked for smokes and I just clicked into shop mode and said 'yeah, what kind do you need mate?'. Gave him the goodies, hit the silent alarms and went into the secure area to call the police. Even then it didn't feel real. It was probably 5 minutes later before I started to think 'you mother***'

you didnt get a chance to upsell? hope the campaigners cop it sweet.

 

[peternorth]

im glad no one has gone the "if i was there i wouldve bashed them without a second thought" route here.

 

[Bennett.]

you didnt get a chance to upsell? hope the campaigners cop it sweet.

Always have to upsell.
May have been a mystery burglar

 

[peternorth]

Always have to upsell.
May have been a mystery burglar

well played!

 

[Rough_Edges]

im glad no one has gone the "if i was there i wouldve bashed them without a second thought" route here.

Ischenko and SG musnt have logged on today.

 

[Xtreme]

Bullshit.

If I see someone slip something down their pants, I feel obliged to do something.

You might feel the need to be a hero and save the day but ultimately in today's society you're expected to do the minimum to guarantee your safety. Different kettle of fish but the door greeters of retail stores are told to not get mouthy (in case the thief retaliates) or follow a suspected thief outside.

As another poster mentioned in the old days the male workers would all chase after the suspected theif/thieves (maybe not bank robbers as such, but the shop lifters/purse snatchers).

 

[radiojake]

geez Gus you're a fool

Obviously no one would want to have experienced what happened in the OP - but no one was hurt and the guy made off with petty cash and ciggies...

why the hell would you risk escalating it by having another gun in the store?

 

[DaVillaBlues]

We already have a gun culutre here. You're surrounded by gun owners and their weapons and have been all of your life.

You're either completely naive or very young to think you aren't.

I reckon everyone should be able to defend themselves in the '411 Gangster dissing your flygirl' way

 

[Bennett.]

Nothing beats funk dancing for self defence

 

[edgie]

You might feel the need to be a hero and save the day but ultimately in today's society you're expected to do the minimum to guarantee your safety. Different kettle of fish but the door greeters of retail stores are told to not get mouthy (in case the thief retaliates) or follow a suspected thief outside.

As another poster mentioned in the old days the male workers would all chase after the suspected theif/thieves (maybe not bank robbers as such, but the shop lifters/purse snatchers).

Pretty sure that was me too mentioning the old days.

Look, I am not going to be a hero if there is a weapon involved, but a simple "hey, I seen you take that bottle, hand it back now or I call the cops/security" followed by telling them to leave the store. That seems reasonable. And if they run, chase them with other workers/security within a reasonable distance, get a number plate if they hop in a car, block their path, etc.

That's the expectation at my work and I think it is reasonable. I had one guy though just walk in and take a carton and walk straight out, he was older and intoxicated, we easily could've snatched it back without hurting ourselves or him, but we had to let him walk. That's bs. He is the one committing a crime, and one that could've been prevented and rectified without needing to call police, make statements, yadda yadda yadda, for a highly unlikely chance of them catching him, and all so the store insurance is legit. What a farce.

 

[CaloundraClown]

I get it, you dislike freedom and the responsbilities that come with it.

As a licenced, responsible gun owner and SSAA member, people like you shit me to tears. It is 100% not up for debate that open carry gun laws in the US (and anywhere else stupid enough to have them) have not reduced, prevented or deterred crime in any fashion. Another fact that isn't up for debate is that these same laws have contributed to one of the world's highest rates of injury/deaths by firearm that are most likely preventable. Grow a brain mate and if you don't like it, move to the states and get as "strapped" as you want. As for OP - as hard as it is for a bloke in Oz to admit something is wrong emotionally (maybe not even know something is wrong) go talk to someone ASAP - PTSD is no joke and that shit hits you when you don't even expect it.

 

[peternorth]

As a licenced, responsible gun owner and SSAA member, people like you shit me to tears. It is 100% not up for debate that open carry gun laws in the US (and anywhere else stupid enough to have them) have not reduced, prevented or deterred crime in any fashion. Another fact that isn't up for debate is that these same laws have contributed to one of the world's highest rates of injury/deaths by firearm that are most likely preventable. Grow a brain mate and if you don't like it, move to the states and get as "strapped" as you want. As for OP - as hard as it is for a bloke in Oz to admit something is wrong emotionally (maybe not even know something is wrong) go talk to someone ASAP - PTSD is no joke and that shit hits you when you don't even expect it.

an interesting post. from the non gun handlers, i think we all take the view that guns are bad mmmkay, or that every gun owner wants such rights open to one and all without any fear of favour. however, your post is refreshing and illustrates a differing viewpoint.

 

[peternorth]

geez Gus you're a fool

Obviously no one would want to have experienced what happened in the OP - but no one was hurt and the guy made off with petty cash and ciggies...

why the hell would you risk escalating it by having another gun in the store?

to be tough

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

I work in a hotel in a kind of seedy area, and we drum it into the staff that if someone comes in to hold them up, they should hit the duress alarm if safe to do so, get to the safe room if they can, but otherwise cooperate. The robber might get some cash out of the till but we can make more money, we can't replace a staff member who gets injured trying to be a hero.

 

[Illinois Nazi]

we can't replace a staff member who gets injured trying to be a hero.

http://www.seek.com.au

 

[Twoslabs]

Mate in all seriousness take care and keep a close eye on yourself.

As someone that has been through 3 armed robberies (I work in a Bank) the first 48-72 after are all a rush, the adrenaline is still flying.

When this wears off you may notice sleeping issues and general lethargy. It is normal so don't freak about it.

If your work offers (they should) any kind of professional assistance take it. The biggest mistake I made after the first one was thinking I'd be fine, brushing off the assistance offered then falling in a hole which took a lot longer to get out of it.

For number 2 & 3 I took everything available assistance wise and recovered considerably quicker.

 

[blueboy25]

Looks like a couple more servos got done over last night in the northern suburbs.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wes...service-stations/story-fnhocxo3-1227354573286

 

[Biggy_Boy]

Nothing beats funk dancing for self defence

Should've just given him one of these

 

[kickazz]

Franco Cozzo already suggested that.

 

[Hamingja]

Geez. Working in a bottleshop, things like this worry me.

I worked 5 years in a business people like to hold up. The one 10 minutes up the street got done over at least half a dozen times during that period but never the one I was working at. It's not my money, I'd hand it over with no hesitation. That stabbing of the teacher this morning is a worse situation to be in. I'd be reluctant to let my laptop go.

 

[SizzleChest]

It's actually hard to describe. I saw the guy approach the window with a t shirt around his head and I remember thinking 'ah shit, here we go' as he pointed the gun at me. I actually kind of went into a robotic state, became disconnected I guess in a way. Just grabbed the money and gave it to him. Funniest part was he asked for smokes and I just clicked into shop mode and said 'yeah, what kind do you need mate?'. Gave him the goodies, hit the silent alarms and went into the secure area to call the police. Even then it didn't feel real. It was probably 5 minutes later before I started to think 'you mother***'

About 15 years ago I was on the receiving end of a home invasion. Guy in a balaclava walked in with a sawnoff gun and ordered myself and some friends to face the ground while he went to ziptie our hand behind our backs. Can still recall that feeling of dread and numbness that washes over you once your mind catches up with the reality of the situation.

 

[boncer34]

That's hardcore mate.

Closest I ever come to that was working at HJ's. Bloke came through drive thru and when he got to the window pulled a pocket knife out and threatened to kill me if I didn't give him his order for free.

I told him to bite me and I had bigger knives in the store so he was welcome to try before closing the window on him.

But gun? Bigger Knife? No ****ing way. Let them take it every time.

 

[Footypie32]

Horrible stuff. As others have said, I really would strongly suggest counselling or at the very least taking a few days off. PTSD is a bitch that can rear it's head when you least expect it. **** the company. You've given them more than they deserve. You have a duty to look after yourself. Take care.

 

[Off The Couch]

Glad to hear you are okay Spartan. Like others I think it's important you get some counselling. Surprised you have been allowed to work - you really aren't going to know where you are at until you've done a few shifts and see how you feel each time someone approaches you. Good luck with it all