Pub. 9 2018 Issue 1

www.wvbankers.org 26 West Virginia Banker By Craig Collins, President, One Beacon Financial Services Bank Robbery Prevention T here has been a significant increase in robberies of community banks in certain geographic locations. Some community banks are resorting to utilizing “con- trolled access” for customer entry into the bank. This article offers some suggestions on enhancing existing robbery policies and procedures. While you may not always be able to prevent a robbery, you can take steps to help make your bank less of a target and protect employees in the process, particularly when robbers are looking to use more aggres- sive tactics. Enhancement Suggestions: The Vault • Consider adding marked bills as bait money. • Use safe deposit boxes to spread excess vault cash into smaller increments. • Place a 15-minute delay time lock if possible. The Teller Line • Cash recycler machines (CRM) can help to reduce the amount of cash exposed to a robbery. Many CRMs have a built-in “robbery mode” feature. If the teller activates the feature, the CRM will dispense a predetermined amount of cash and automatically shut down for approximately 20 minutes. The Building • “All Clear/Morning Glory Procedures” should be imple- mented at all locations. Everyone should be aware of pro- cedures related to opening and closing the bank. They should be reviewed and changed regularly so potential robbers have a more difficult time following your routine. • Camera positions should allow clear view of people’s faces entering and exiting the bank. In addition, a camera should also be placed in a position to give a clear view of the parking lot. The Front Door • Publicize (signs on the main entrance) the usage of Cash Recyclers, 15 Minute Delayed Time Locks and cameras. The more sophisticated robber will case a location first, see the notifications and move elsewhere. Your Employees • Until someone is faced with a robbery scenario, it’s hard to know how they will react. The best way to keep calm during the situation is to review and rehearse robbery procedures. The more you prepare your employees, the higher the probability of a safe result for them and your customers. Money can be replaced, but lives cannot. 