One could say the best way to avoid a robbery is to avoid certain areas at night. Sometimes this isn’t possible especially in a 24-hour town. When driving from work some time ago, I looked down and saw a problem…a fuel gage indicating a nearly empty tank.

It was 1:00 am and I pulled into a gas station located near the intersection of Rancho and Bonanza. While pumping gas, I observed the approach of two individuals. Based on the colors of their clothing and the manner in which they were worn, I knew they were either members or associates of the street gang occupying that neighborhood.

Realizing they had my attention, one of the individuals asked me if I had any “extra” change as they began to separate. I felt that this was an attack unfolding and one of them was going to attempt to get behind me. Before they got close, I backed up towards the driver’s door of my vehicle and said, “I don’t have anything for you,” while reaching inside. I kept my demeanor calm and stern yet non-provoking. The bluff worked. Assuming that I was reaching for a weapon, they quickly walked away probably deciding to search for easier prey. I grabbed the bottle of water I was reaching for, and took a sip as I called a dispatcher to ask if patrol would locate and stop the suspicious subjects. They were able to leave the area prior to the arrival of patrol officers.

The following summer I was assigned to a detail called the Problem Solving Unit. Tasked with the investigations of any crime series within the jurisdiction enforced by its our Area Command, we learned there was an armed robbery series near Vegas and Rancho (about one mile away from the gas station at Bonanza). Victims told us that two males would ask for pocket change before one displayed a handgun and the other searched them. We ultimately apprehended two gang members that confessed to the robberies.

Criminals have techniques that increase their likelihood of success. Here’s a few that armed robbers in Las Vegas have used effectively and how to avoid them:

Working as a Group
Armed robbers sometimes work in groups. I have given titles to members of a “stick up” crew. I call them the “mouthpiece,” the “mugger” and the “layoff.” Working as a crew increases the chances of success and escape. It also increases the potential of courtroom success if captured.

The “mouthpiece.” During a robbery, one subject will “bark” orders and keep your attention. This individual will more than likely be impressive physically, possessing the prowess to intimidate. If anyone is armed, it’s the “mouthpiece.” His demeanor, verbal skills, and overall intimidating nature has been known to create what’s called, “barrel syndrome” among robbery victims. This is when the victim says the robber possessed a “hand cannon” and the offender is apprehended with a small caliber weapon.

The mugger. The person who physically takes property from a victim will more than likely be the youngest, fastest, and have the least criminal priors. If captured he needs to possess the most ability to flee on foot, hide quickly, or receive a lesser prison sentence since he holds damaging evidence…the victims property.

The “layoff.” This person is probably the crew leader. He will have a supreme ability to notice and alert the crew to the presence of security or law enforcement. He will also possess the experience to finish a fight when the other two can’t handle a victim that fights back.

The tactics of a “stick up” crew are similar to a law enforcement tactic called, “contact and cover.” The crew’s tactics are less detailed but just as successful. Ignore initial deceptions and pay attention to people’s actions. Look around and choose an exit path.

The closing distraction
Two gang members flashing their colors are rarely able to sneak up on anyone. The “extra” change request was a ruse allowing them to close the distance with their victim. Most victims believed that they would be in more trouble with the duo if they did not turn over a small amount of cash or pocket change. During this moment, do not pay attention to a potential mugger’s request but their actions. Even if you never ask a stranger for a single penny, Las Vegas still offers quite an education in panhandling. The best way to make money begging would be to post up in a location through which the public funnels. Like an entryway, roadway median, or pathway. A panhandler can increase their contact with people, easily detect the approach of security personnel and blend in with the crowd if need be. My point is that anyone willing to walk up to your vehicle either isn’t good at panhandling or is interested in more than some pocket change. Avoid or deter anyone walking toward your vehicle and try to position your vehicle in a highly visible location.

Ego reliance
In Las Vegas, many people study multiple forms of martial arts and even some who don’t are very sure of themselves. Criminals have been known to rely on ego to trap their victims. For example, a “mouthpiece” will antagonize a potential victim creating a distraction that pulls them into an attack. When the victim chooses to fight instead of utilizing what I call the “Nike” defense (running away), the “mugger” and “layoff,” all of whom may have not yet revealed themselves, join the fight. Leave your ego at home. Everyone’s tough until weapons are involved or you’re outnumbered. Regardless of your capabilities, flight, or fighting enough to facilitate flight, is preferable to going “mano y mano” with a violent attacker.

Needless to say, one should simply give up their property when cornered by armed robbers. Or even better, if you pay attention to your surroundings and use these simple, but very effective suggestions, you can avoid and prevent the situations where you might get robbed.