Our Organization

​​​​​​​​​​​​Robbery Unit

Robbery
The responsibility of the Robbery Unit is to investigate all armed robberies, commercial common law robberies, and any robbery in which there was serious injury. The mission of the unit is to investigate, identify, apprehend all suspects and to ensure the quality and integrity of the investigation. The Robbery Unit takes a proactive approach to the investigation of robbery cases, utilizing problem solving techniques and models in an effort to prevent the next crime.

Armed Robbery – Also called Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, ( N.C. G. S. 14-87) occurs when one commits or attempts to commit larceny from the person by the possession, use, or threatened use of a firearm, or other dangerous weapon which endangers the life of a person.

Common Law Robbery - (Also Called Strong Arm Robbery) is defined by Common Law and occurs when one commits larceny from the person or from the person's presence by violence, fear, threat or intimidation.

What to do DURING a robbery

• Try to stay calm. Don't make any sudden movements to upset the robber.
• Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST!
• Activate your alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly.
• Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.
• If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.
• Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.
• Don't be a hero. It's better to lose your money than your life.
• Give the robber time to leave.
• Note his direction of travel when he leaves.
• Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm

What to do AFTER a robbery

• Call the police immediately, even if you have activated the alarm.
• Close the store and lock the door(s).
• Do not discuss the details of the robbery with witnesses or fellow employees.
• Ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they can't, get their names, phone numbers and addresses.
• Do not touch anything that the robber may have touched. Block off areas where the robber was.
• Try to recall as much as you can about the robber's appearance, speech and mannerisms. Make notes.
• Step outside the store when the police arrive so that they'll know the robber is gone and you are safe.
• Let the police answer inquiries from the news media.
• Do not discuss the amount of money taken with anyone other than police.

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Personnel

The Commercial Robbery Unit is staffed by one sergeant, an investigative technician, and five detectives. Patrol divisions should be contacted directly in Personal Robbery cases. The office is staffed regularly from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m, seven days a week. Detectives work on a callback basis during overnight hours. To reach the robbery Sergeant after 11:00pm, contact the Watch Commander at 704-336-2141.

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