North York money services worker shot with pellet gun during robbery

A money services employee in North York is in hospital after being shot with a pellet gun during a robbery late Friday afternoon, according to reports.

The incident occurred at a business in the Wilson Avenue and Bathurst Street area, near the Wilson Heights neighbourhood in Toronto’s North York district.

Toronto police said they were called to the business shortly after 5 p.m. for reports of a robbery.

CP24 reported that “police said several masked suspects entered the business and demanded money.” The exact number of suspects remains unknown, and no descriptions have been released. Authorities have not confirmed whether any cash was taken, and no additional injuries were reported.

The worker is now recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.

The business operates in a mixed commercial and residential corridor that includes various retail and service outlets.

Robbery numbers

Here are the numbers of robberies reported in the past five years, according to data from Statistics Canada (StatCan):

How can employers keep workers safe from robbery?

Here are some things employers can change around workplace design to prevent robbery, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA): 

• Design the counter high and deep enough to provide some physical distance from the robber and protection for the employee (while still being able to serve the customer).
• Keep the cash register located where it is clearly visible to people inside and outside the store.
• Keep shelves low for good visibility inside the store.
• Keep all areas – inside and outside – well-lit. Check lighting regularly and before it gets dark.
• Lock delivery doors when not in use (but be sure you are not violating local fire code regulations when doing so).
• Use a security system such as video surveillance cameras, mirrors, height markers, observation windows, etc.
• Advertise the fact that security systems and measures are used.
• If necessary, consider the use of protective shielding or barriers. 

And here are some safety precautions that employers can share with their workers to minimise their risk during robbery, according to the CCPA: 

• Move away from the sales counter when there are no customers. Since robbers prefer to enter and leave the store quickly, if the sales staff are not near the counter, the business may be a less attractive target.
• Keep the number of signs and countertop displays to a minimum. Good visibility around the counter and from the outside will help deter thefts.
• If someone suspicious is standing in line, ask the person ahead of them, “Are you together?” The person ahead will usually turn around and look at the other person, and this action may deter the robbery.
• Look for anyone who appears to be loitering in or around the store. If they do not leave, call the police and ask for a patrol check.

Here are some things that employees should avoid during these incidents, according to the same organisation: 

• Do not carry weapons of any type, including pepper spray. Weapons can easily be used against you and are illegal in some jurisdictions.
• Do not stare at a person. Prolonged eye contact may be perceived as a challenge or threat.
• Do not wear jewellery that could be a strangulation or theft hazard.
• Do not use the back entrances to let people in.
• Do not leave by exiting into poorly lit, unobserved areas.
• Do not count cash in public view; stay discreet.