Posted on 05/21/2004 6:31:45 PM PDT by wagglebee
Robberies at banks and credit unions in Missouri have dropped 36 percent in the past year, and some people attribute the decline to a new dress code.
Last year, more than 200 Missouri financial institutions adopted a "No hats, no hoods, no sunglasses" policy that had previously been used only in the Springfield area. Crime statistics released by the FBI indicate 42 fewer robberies in the first year that the policy has been in effect statewide.
From May 20, 2002, to May 1, 2003, there were 117 robberies at Missouri financial institutions. From the time the policy became effective statewide on May 20, 2003, through May 1, 2004, there were 75 such robberies.
"By removing hats, hoods, caps and sunglasses, consumers make it easier for staff and law enforcement to identify any suspected robbers, who often use these items as a disguise," Rosie Holub, president of the Missouri Credit Union Association, said in a statement Wednesday.
"We are able to obtain clearer security photos, and this policy draws attention to people who do not comply," Holub said. "The last thing a criminal wants is more attention, so they are more likely to leave without committing a robbery."
There's no proof that the policy is causing the decline in bank robberies, but FBI spokesman Jeff Lanza said the bureau was pleased about it.
"The potential for deterring bank and credit union robberies is evident with this program," Lanza said.
At least 162 banks and 70 credit unions participate in the program, but each institution determines how to enforce the policy.
Some institutions have an employee at the door who greets customers and asks them to remove any articles that obscure their faces, while others just post signs that ask patrons to remove those items voluntarily. Customers are to be served even if they refuse to remove their headgear, but cashiers, security officers and all employees are supposed to be more watchful.
I'm sure the left will find some way to say this is discrimination.
Duh!
But then I remember once watching a clerk at a gun store, barking "Take Your Hands Out Of Your Pockets!" at a young guy who'd come slouching into the store.
He let go of whatever it was that he'd been holding on to, held his hands out to his side, then turned around and left. Rather quickly, as I remember.
I'm sure he, also, felt insulted.
"No sunglasses" discriminate against the blind.
I love the idea, let's you be aware of one who isn't complying and to step away from them...just in case.
I would think a cane or a "dog" would indicate one was blind and it says it isn't mandatory. However a robber could come dressed as a blind person too.
Discrimination. No burkhas????
People go into banks?
I think the last time I actually walked into a bank was sometime in the 80s.
more amazing....9 posts, and not one mention of "profiling"
Common sense bump!
"apt natural. I have a gub"
Why not metal detectors?
FBI said no indication that this is the reason for the decline, probably because it wasn't their idea, government morons.
People hauling in change would set it off all the time
Yeah, but they could have you put all the coins in those little trays like at the airport.
And take off your shoes, too. ;-)
No shoes
No shirt
No stickup
Jeez, and I thought this would be a story about a new trend in "naked" banks. You know, no concealed forearms, etc.
Although I guess "Stick up" might carry a new connotation.
I went to an amusement park recently. They had metal detectors to get in. They wanted to take my pocket knife. I turned around and left.
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