Experts warn new crime tactics create dangerous workplaces

HOUSTON -- There are certain professions that are known to be risky, but experts say surprising changes in crime and the drastic methods crooks now use are making other careers dangerous too.

When looking for a job, the hours and pay are what most people consider first. But experts say new crime culture means you should consider something else, your safety.

Just last week, two convenience store clerks in northwest Harris County came face to face with an armed robber. It was a scary situation that they say is now just part of the job.

"We're a target for the criminals. In this business, we handle money, we're targets," said Shell store clerk Mr. Brown.

Crime Stoppers executive director Rania Mankarious says cash on hand, no matter what time of day, is what is putting businesses at risk, including banks.

"Bank robbers are getting more brazen. People are walking into banks in the middle of the day seeing how far they can get and if they can make it to the vault," Mankarious said.

There has also been a rise in smash and grab burglaries, particularly cell phone and jewelry stores. According to Crime Stoppers, there were 26 jewelry smash and grabs in 2011. That number increased to 62 in 2013, and 20 of those involved guns.

"There is no regard for security presence, for a full store, for the number of employees in the store. They just go in take what they want and leave. And sometimes they're prepared to harm people," Mankarious said.

Another dangerous job is behind the wheel of a taxi cab.

"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that taxi cab drivers are 60 percent more likely to get injured or killed on the job than any other industry," Mankarious said.

Mankarious says because the culture of crime is constantly changing, some seemingly safe jobs could become dangerous in a few years.

"In two years to three years from now, is teacher going to be a dangerous job?" Mankarious said.

Her best advice is to know the risks of the job and be prepared before you take on the career.

Top 10 occupations with high fatal work injury rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.