With Victoria’s crime rate at its highest in nearly a decade, driven by a cost-of-living crisis (The Guardian, 2025), armed robberies pose a serious threat to the hospitality industry. These traumatic events impact the physical and mental health of staff and patrons, often leading to anxiety and PTSD. This article explores who commits armed robberies, how clubs can reduce risks, and what to do during and after such incidents.
Who Commits Armed Robberies?
Crime has surged in Victoria, with criminal offences up over 15% and aggravated burglaries rising 27% in the last year. This increase directly impacts clubs, where robbers often target cash-heavy environments, making robust security measures more critical than ever.
Statistically, armed robberies are committed mainly by men (90%), typically under 30 years old, with limited education—few have completed high school or hold skilled jobs. An Australian study found that 75% of convicted robbers lack employment skills, and many have extensive criminal histories, often escalating from more minor crimes like breaking and entering, stealing, or receiving stolen goods. So, when you interact with an armed robber, you are usually dealing with an experienced criminal.
Types of Armed Robberies
Armed robberies fall into two categories: planned and opportunistic. Opportunistic robberies are committed by impulsive offenders, often acting alone; they can be desperate and attack “soft” or easy targets. They act spontaneously, may be drug-affected, and use weapons like syringes or bats (something on hand or easy to obtain). These individuals often make spur-of-the-moment decisions when they see and act upon an opportunity.
Planned robberies involve multiple offenders, targeting high-return venues like clubs. They plan extensively, conceal identities, are more likely to have guns, and use intimidation, increasing the risk of injury if obstructed.
Target Hardening: Strengthening Security
Clubs often make preventable errors that increase the likelihood of being targeted, such as leaving cash boxes visible behind bars, walking with full tills across the gaming floor, leaving back doors unlocked, understaffing at night, having poor lighting in car parks, and counting cash in sight of the public. Lack of awareness and staff training can lead to mistakes that may escalate risks. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing vulnerability.
Clubs can reduce risks through “target hardening.” This includes opening and closing with more staff or security, ensuring good lighting, removing hiding spots, and installing CCTV and duress alarms. Signs about time-delayed safes and Police patrols can also deter offenders. Encourage electronic payments, vary cash pickup times, and keep tills and safes out of sight. It’s also a good idea to greet entrants attending the venue to reduce anonymity – if they know they have been spoken to and observed onsite, it may reduce their desire to target your venue. These are just a few examples of target hardening.
During an Armed Robbery
Safety depends heavily on the behaviour of the victim during the incident. The key is to stay calm, obey instructions, and avoid sudden movements. Staff should expect threats and intimidation from the armed robber. Where a person resists the armed robber, the risk of injury increases by 67%, especially when multiple offenders are involved. Activate alarms or call Police (000) only when safe, and never chase the robber out of the building. If possible, observe the offender’s features—clothing, scars, tattoos, height, hair colour, accent, and weapons—for later identification.
After the Robbery
Secure doors, admitting only emergency services. Ask witnesses to stay or provide their details. Police will gather statements independently—avoid conferring or viewing footage. Avoid speaking to the media until the Police have done their job. Police will collect evidence like CCTV, fingerprints, DNA, and descriptions to aid investigations. After an incident, you must look at support and counselling services for staff and patrons and review your armed robbery security procedures. For staff, the fear of a repeat incident can make returning to work a daily struggle, so supporting their recovery is imperative.
Free Online Training
Until the end of August 2025, Lighthouse Safety & Compliance is providing free Armed Robbery Awareness training to Victorian Clubs. The course is available at https://lighthousesafety.net.au/ccv/ (password: ccvictoria). It covers reducing risks, behaviour during robberies, and post-incident actions. All staff are welcome to log into the portal and complete the training. They will receive a certificate on completion, which they can forward to their employer. If you would like a customised portal with access to your venue training register, contact me.
This article only provides a brief outline of armed robbery awareness. However, I encourage you to conduct a risk assessment with staff at your venue, identify where you may be creating opportunities for offenders, and see what measures you can implement to reduce the risk. If you need assistance, please contact [email protected] or 0422 669 631.
Patrick Martin
Managing Director
Lighthouse Safety & Compliance
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In FY25, Victorian Keno players enjoyed almost 10 million wins worth more than $131.9 million.
For many club patrons across Victoria, FY25 was a year to remember – all thanks to a life-changing Keno win.
Victorian players had a standout year, tallying over 9.9 million Keno wins collectively worth than $131.9 million in prize money.
In FY25, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 76 million wins collectively worth more than $1.2 billion.
During this time, Keno crowned 20 millionaires and multi-millionaires who together took home more than $57.9 million. Two of these major jackpot winners were from Victoria.
Laverton woman thanks ‘manifestation magic’ for Keno win
A Laverton woman shared she was left thanking the universe after she scored a $60,000 Keno Classic 8 Spot prize at Club Laverton in the weeks leading up to last Christmas.
“It was a big surprise! Especially coming up to Christmas, it’s perfect!” she cheered.
“Do you want to hear something really funny? I just wrote in my diary the day before winning, ‘Thank you, universe, for my Keno 8 Spot win’. Then it really came true!
“I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction and manifestation, and I love affirmations!
“It was awesome seeing all eight numbers pop up on the screen.
“I’ve had a few wins in Keno over the years. It’s like the stars align for me when I play - it’s my thing!”
Club Laverton manager Gus Alimovski said the team happily shared in the excitement with their major Keno winner.
“What an incredible win for our patron! It’s always great hearing these winning stories, and now we have another one to share with our patrons,” he said.
“We’re thrilled for our customer, and we hope to see more Keno winners in our venue soon.”
All eyes on a winning FY26
Keno’s National Partner Manager Luke Harrison said he couldn’t wait to see which Victorian clubs welcomed the next big Keno winners.
“Last financial year, players at Victorian clubs celebrated some impressive victories,” he said.
“A key highlight has been the growing popularity of Keno’s Bonus and Replay features among club patrons. This trend reflects how venues are successfully connecting with their customers, sharing updates on jackpot increases, promotional offers, and game enhancements.
“When players opt into Keno Bonus, they unlock the chance to multiply their winnings by up to ten times, while the Replay option adds another layer of excitement.
“Many players are still unaware of these features, making it vital for staff to start conversations and educate them on the full range of Keno possibilities!”
Mr Harrison said the solid Keno performance at Victorian clubs last financial year laid a strong foundation for continued success in FY26.
“Clubs across Victoria are embracing fresh approaches to elevate the customer experience, and Keno’s rising popularity is playing a key role in that journey,” he said.
“There’s also a wide array of Keno resources available to clubs, from eye-catching point-of-sale materials to engaging promotions, all designed to keep the game front and centre.
“As the new financial year unfolds, Keno is looking forward to celebrating more big wins for Victorian club patrons, and more success stories for the clubs that host them.”
Contact your Business Development Manager to find out how Keno can best support your club in FY26.
Visit Keno Connect for more information on maximising Keno in your club - www.kenoconnect.com.au
