Robberies don’t always look like they used to. The image of masked thieves sprinting in and out in a matter of seconds has shifted. Increasingly, these incidents are unfolding more slowly, with robbers lingering, gathering items, and showing little concern for who’s watching. When this happens in a store full of customers, confusion spreads fast. People aren’t sure whether to flee, intervene, or freeze—and that uncertainty can lead to dangerous outcomes.
One of the first things to understand is that trying to help can sometimes make things worse. A store clerk described a situation where a customer, meaning well, attempted to stop a knife-wielding thief. Her actions, though well-intended, disrupted the situation and heightened the risk for everyone around her. Intervening in these moments without training or a clear plan can escalate tensions and potentially provoke the aggressor.
Underlying much of this behavior, particularly in certain areas, is the perception of legal leniency. For example, California’s Penal Code 459.5 defines shoplifting as entering a business during operating hours with the intent to steal goods valued under $950. Critics argue that this has opened the door for more frequent thefts, emboldening criminals who know their actions may not result in serious charges. For store employees and customers alike, this creates a complicated and often frustrating environment.
So, how can someone respond safely if caught in the middle of a robbery? One way is to borrow from the “Run, Hide, Fight” model often used in active shooter situations. Although not a perfect match, the logic applies: escape if you can, find cover if escape isn’t possible, and defend yourself only if absolutely necessary. Having even a loose mental framework like this can bring some clarity when panic starts to take over.
When things start to go sideways in a store, your location matters. Moving to low-traffic areas—away from doors, cash registers, or aisles full of people—can reduce your chances of being caught in a confrontation or stampede. These high-traffic zones are often where chaos clusters, so distance yourself early if the situation seems to be heading in the wrong direction.
Even better than finding a quiet corner is finding an actual exit—and not always the front one. Heading toward the back of the store, through staff corridors or service areas, can be a safer route out. This advice comes from a story shared by the speaker, whose son avoided a stampede during a school scare by exiting through the back kitchen. It’s a good reminder that thinking a few steps ahead can sometimes mean the difference between danger and safety.
If it becomes clear that you’re in direct danger and can’t escape, you may need to find something nearby to defend yourself. While not everyone is trained in self-defense, grabbing a blunt object, a can, or even a heavy shopping bag could give you the edge you need to protect yourself until help arrives. This step isn’t about heroics—it’s about reacting to immediate personal danger with whatever tools are available.
These situations are unpredictable, and not every answer fits every scenario. That’s why stories, questions, and shared experiences are so valuable. People who’ve lived through events like these can offer insights that no manual or video can fully capture. Learning from others—whether things went right or wrong—builds a more grounded understanding of what really works when it counts.
