Are masks still ok?
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.
Good for you! If you don't stick up for yourself, no one else will.
Are masks still ok?
What?! Are you questioning my patriotism by disagreeing?!
And possibly forcing hard-working criminals to go on welfare and food stamps.
Once again, journalists demonstrate no understand of the difference between causation and correlation.
Is it just me, or does this sound like a news story one would expect to see on the Simpsons? rofl
They should try using shotgun weilding guards again! Around here, they used to refer to the mini marts as stop-n-robs. Now all the clerks pack heat. The banks are the new stop-n-robs and rob them they do. Several times a month.
I was joking.
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