Bank Robberies Can Be Violent John S. Burnett, Associate Editor
Although bank robbery is included in the FBI's violent crime statistics, most bank heists, thankfully, end without bloodshed. Such is not the case with the three violent holdups described here. There's no indication that any of the victims of these crimes did anything to provoke the gunmen involved.
Euclid, Ohio
According to an FBI source, everyone was following instructions on Friday morning, October 13, 2006, when one of three masked gunmen fired his weapon, gravely wounding a 21-year employee of Charter One Bank. The woman, an assistant manager for the bank, was shot in the neck. She was hospitalized for over seven months before her recent release.
Soon after the victim returned home in May, the FBI announced the arrest of two of the alleged gunmen. The other alleged gunman and an accomplice were arrested in early June.
Bessemer, Alabama
Two tellers were killed and two others wounded in May 14, 2007, robbery of a Wachovia Bank branch in Bessemer, shortly after the office opened. Bessemer Police Chief told reporters that it appeared that a sole gunman fired on the tellers immediately after demanding money.
The suspect, who attempted to leave the bank with a hostage, apparently tripped, and was shot and captured by a deputy who was flagged down by a bank customer who had escaped from the branch.
William Merriweather Jr. has been charged with murder, attempted murder and kidnapping.
Chicago, Illinois
Three of four men arrested in connection with a deadly May 22, 2007, holdup of the Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan in Chicago appeared in federal court on June 7 for detention hearings on charges of felony armed bank robbery. The FBI expects to add murder charges for the shooting of a 23-year old teller during the heist.
The suspects were arrested after an informant, apparently hoping for part of a $50,000 reward, cooperated with the FBI in tape recording a conversation with one of the robbers.
These incidents underscore the importance of keeping bandits out of your bank. Your employees should be trained to watch for anyone who appears to be casing your branch, or who is behaving suspiciously outside, and to report any such individuals to the security officer immediately.
Employees should be particularly alert prior to opening for business each day. If they can see outside areas (parking lot, street, etc.) from inside the building, have them look around for anything suspicious before opening the doors. Employees should never admit anyone before business hours unless the visitor has an appointment and can be identified.
In terms of deterrents, well-placed cameras are sometimes effective. The posting of "No Hats, No Sunglasses" signs may also make your institution a less likely target.
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