In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, those working in Branson’s many retail shops, restaurants, hotels and lodging establishments should do only one thing when someone comes into their place of employment to steal either money or merchandise. That one thing is to do is absolutely nothing that will place yourself between them and what they want, nothing, zero, nada!
The objective from the employee’s perspective should be their personal safety. Give the “bad guys” exactly what they want with as little interaction with them as possible. Do or say nothing that could aggravate or upset them or keep them from leaving the establishment as soon as possible.
If you observe them stealing merchandise either subtly or otherwise do not attempt to stop or interfere with them in anyway. Once they have left the establishment call the police and let them handle it.
“But Seagull, that seems so un-heroic and trite.” Not really, sometimes the most “heroic” thing to do is that which will provide for the safety of the most people including ourselves. The tragic events that took place this week dramatically illustrates the potential of not following this simple commonsense advice.
An Ole Seagull would simply repeat, “No job, amount of money or merchandise is worth your life or personal injury! Give the ‘bad guys’ exactly what they want with as little interaction with them as possible. Do or say nothing that could aggravate or upset them or keep them from leaving the establishment as soon as possible.”
Related Link: Man critically injured trying to stop a Branson shoplifting incident