Robbery and mugging: what to do¶

A robbery happens fast and leaves most people shaken. This page tells you how to protect yourself during one, and what to do in the minutes and days afterward.

Do this now¶

1. Stay calm and do what the person asks. Hand over the phone, wallet, bag, or keys.
2. Do not argue, fight, or chase. Your things can be replaced. You cannot.
3. Move slowly. Say out loud what you are about to do, for example "I am reaching into my pocket."
4. When the person leaves, get to a safe, busy place such as a shop, a restaurant, or a group of people.
5. Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) if you are hurt or in danger. Otherwise report the crime to the police as soon as you can.

During a robbery¶

Police forces in many countries give the same advice: cooperate and put your safety first. People are less likely to be hurt when they do what is asked.

Keep your hands where the person can see them. Avoid sudden movements. Do not reach for a pocket or bag unless you have been told to, and say what you are doing before you do it.

If you can walk away safely, for example because there is a barrier or a crowd between you and the person, do so. Do not try to take your property back, and do not follow the person afterward.

... warning "Do not resist or chase" Fighting back or running after a thief can turn a robbery into a serious injury. If someone threatens you with violence, give them what they ask for and get to safety.

Right after¶

Go to a place with other people and lights. Tell a shop worker, a security guard, or a person nearby what happened, and ask to use a phone if yours was taken.

Check yourself for injuries. Some injuries do not hurt at first. If you are bleeding, press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth and see our bleeding guide. Get medical care for any injury, and for a blow to the head see the head injuries guide.

Call the police. Say where you are, whether you are hurt, and which way the person went. Stay on the line if the call taker asks you to.

Write down what you remember¶

Details fade quickly. As soon as you are safe, write notes or record a voice memo.

• What the person looked like: height, build, hair, clothing, voice or accent, and anything unusual
• Whether there was a weapon, and what it looked like
• Which way the person went, and whether there was a vehicle, with the plate number if you saw it
• The time, the place, and what was taken
• Any witnesses, and any cameras nearby

Give this to the police. Ask for a report or case number, because your insurer, bank, or phone company may need it.

Protect your accounts and documents¶

Act quickly on anything that was taken.

• Call your bank or card issuer to block cards.
• Ask your phone company to block the SIM and phone. Many phones can also be locked or wiped from another device.
• Change passwords on accounts that were open on the phone.
• Replace keys and, if your address was on anything taken, think about changing the locks.
• Report stolen identity documents to the issuing office. Procedures differ by country, so check with local officials.

Look after yourself¶

Feeling shaky, angry, scared, or numb afterward is normal. Talk to someone you trust. If you cannot sleep, feel jumpy for more than a few weeks, or want to avoid going out, a doctor or counselor can help. In many places police can connect you with victim support services.

Lower your risk¶

Most robberies cannot be predicted, but a few habits help.

• Keep your phone and wallet out of sight in busy places, and never leave them on a table at an outdoor cafe.
• Stay on well lit, busy routes at night, and walk facing traffic.
• Keep a list of family contact numbers somewhere other than your phone.
• Keep copies of important documents in a safe place.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, cross the street, go into a shop, or change your route.

Related guides¶

• Carjacking
• Being followed
• Bleeding
• Emergency numbers