Take-out Food Security Precautions

The following advice is based on "Lessons Learned" from the robbery of an individual picking up a take out food order. It applies equally to restaurants and other similar
establishments.

Recently a foreign resident of Tegucigalpa was robbed by several men in the vicinity of a pizza take-out store (Papa John's) at 2130hrs about a block and a half from the store when returning to their vehicle. A wallet was taken and the employee slightly injured in a scuffle with the robbers.

The security staff conducted a survey of the three major pizza take out locations along Morazan avenue in the capital to determine the level of protection for customers at each store. Security is better at some than others and this should be considered when deciding whether to personally get the order or have it delivered to your residence - particularly after dark. Store security:

Domino's - has an armed guard contracted from Alarmas de Honduras that watches the pick-up area and parking in front of the store.

Papa John's - One night guard for the entire Centro Commercial Maya building complex on duty 1800hrs-0600hrs. Not armed and not dedicated to protecting the store or customers.

Pizza Hut - (take out business not restaurant) - Two guards for the entire
Jarros building but not dedicated to the take out store or customers.

The only reasonably safe way to do a daylight take out is to park directly in front of the store - not any farther away. After dark it is strongly recommended that deliveries be to your home by the store delivery service. This is usually by a marked motor scooter or vehicle with a uniformed driver - carrying the insulated pizza box. If more than one person shows up or something suspicious is suspected do not open the gate until its
determined the delivery is legitimate. If the delivery service is used, be aware that your name, address and telephone number will be kept on file with the store.

In general it is recommended to only patronize restaurants and other businesses that have an armed guard stationed by the front entrance, and parking as close a possible to that entrance. If no close-in parking is available - choose a restaurant/shop that does.

Additionally, vehicles should be driven and parked with the windows up (tinted windows are highly recommended) and doors locked at all times. Alarms should be activated and any additional physical devices such as "the club" or clutch/brake locks fastened. Vehicles have been stolen during daylight hours from the Multi-Plaza Mall and Price Smart parking
lots as well as other locations - car thefts not carjacking. No place is 100% safe. These precautions also apply when your vehicle is parked at night in your residence garage.

A number of specialized security briefings are available on the US Mission web site www.usmission.hn FAQs, Crime and Security Matters regarding personal, vehicle, residential and other security concerns - please take a moment to visit the FAQs security portion of the web site - and Stay Safe.