I was robbed at work tonight.

[FordGabe]

Tonight I was at work - the only person working at the store - and we were robbed by an individual tonight...

My workplace is located in San Jose, CA. The area that our business is in is near I live and grew up. It's a pretty tame area and is not known for crime. It's located on a usually busy road.

I was with two clients at a desk. I was the only person working, and in comes a guy. He has gloves on, a hood, his faced was covered to the bridge of his nose and he had some kind of towel or cloth covering his arms. He walked straight up to me and said "Give me the cash". I gave him the cash box - little did he know that there was about $20 inside. He turned around and walked out while saying that there were three more people outside. All I could see was that he was Black, around 5'9" and on the thin side.

What are your thoughts, and what would you have done or what could you have done to prepare for this situation?

It's really frustrating to know that even in an area like mine - which I consider to be a relatively safe suburban community - that there are so many restrictions on what we can do to protect ourselves and property (including businesses).

Gabe

[Shotgun Man]

You're alive which proves your actions were correct.

It is not as though your wife was held hostage.

I wouldn't risk my life over $20 if I could avoid it, especially while on an hourly-pay job.

Good job.

[freonr22]

damn! San Jose is all over the place on Calguns. I am glad you are ok. In your position, I would have given the $20. Some people are gonna say, ohh shoot him, whatever. I doubt hell be back as you were of little value, probably some methhead trying to get high. LOCK the doors at night (depending on your business type) and call the cops make report now.

[510dat]

What part of San Jose? Its a big town.

[Shotgun Man]

damn! San Jose is all over the place on Calguns. I am glad you are ok. In your position, I would have given the $20. Some people are gonna say, ohh shoot him, whatever. I doubt hell be back as you were of little value, probably some methhead trying to get high. LOCK the doors at night (depending on your business type) and call the cops make report now.

Meth, probably not. Rock, more likely.

[Vinz]

glad you ok, no need to escalate a problem but next time remind him that you are not a victim.

Skinny, black and 5'9", I would have punched him through the throat. HARD.


Vinz

[FordGabe]

South/West San Jose. I didn't know how much was in the cash box actually, could have been hundreds of dollars easily. Im aware enough to know that you give them the cash box or the register contents as they say - which is why I did. It's just godamn frustrating responding to "Give me all the money" by giving them what they want. I and other people worked to put whatever was in that box there.

[Josh3239]

The important thing is you are ok. It was only $20, no reason to escalate. You did the right thing.

[sorensen440]

You did the right thing
I agree that money is not worth risking your life over

[nrvnqsrxk]

I say if the only thing you are out is $20 and a cash box, you can have a cold one and a lulz.

Just be ready for the next time he comes back and your cash box has more than $20.

[Cokebottle]

You say "Restrictions". Given that this is a place of business, you could have carried a gun (assuming the business / property owner agrees, unless you happen to be the owner). No CCW or other permit is required. Perfectly legal in California at your residence or your place of business (even as an employee). I don't see any restrictions here.

Careful...

Permission of the property owner is required for concealed carry... not just the business owner.
Also, many businesses have policies prohibiting weapons.

[Vinz]

South/West San Jose. I didn't know how much was in the cash box actually, could have been hundreds of dollars easily. Im aware enough to know that you give them the cash box or the register contents as they say - which is why I did. It's just godamn frustrating responding to "Give me all the money" by giving them what they want. I and other people worked to put whatever was in that box there.

It is frustrating but don't let it get to you. He was a punk and your action kept you and your clients safe. Thats all that matters.

Money can be replaced, but watch out cause he's local and he or his friends will be back.

having a gun at this time would nothave helped, he got you off guard.
vinz

[dfens]

Glad to hear you're safe, this stuff can happen to anyone.

Personally after you report it I would try for a CCW and see if this counts as good cause.

Anyways was the guy armed? If they show a weapon just give them the money it's not worth your life.

At work I am alone but it's a pretty safe and clean area. Now if someone were to attack me and didn't have a gun they would be really stupid. I carry on me my emerson and a can of fox pepper spray.

Would carry at work but the boss is very anti so that's a no no.

Buddy of mine is armed to the teeth at his job. He has a 870, 8 shot pump action if the shtf, and right on the counter out of sight usually covered up by something a 4 inch S&W .357 magnum. Try any **** and he will put you down.

[FordGabe]

Well I bet you this guy didn't have a gun or even a knife, but he kept at least one arm covered at all times by a small blanket/towel thing. He never specifically said he had a weapon nor did he show one - he clearly knew that he shouldn't indicate such.

[Henry Hill]

It sucks man but you did the smart thing, too many people have gotten killed over a measly $20 bucks. San Jose, probably a meth head.