Local Banks Try a New Tactic to Cut Back On Robberies

If you enter a bank wearing a hat, hooded sweatshirt, or sunglasses, you may be asked to take them off, or leave. Experts say most bank robberies have one thing in common. "A hat and masks on and heavy coats," says Pat Peterson, Vice President of Alpine Bank. Signs will be posted in banks telling customers stocking hats, sunglasses, and baseball hats are all restricted. "The employees are scared," says Peterson. "The last one that came in was the most violent we`ve been apart of." Police Chief Chet Epperson has endorsed the initiative. "The potential robber that comes in the door could be stopped by a bank official and be asked to take off their hood and sunglasses," says Epperson. "That intruder may be deterred and leave the bank, thus preventing a bank robbery." And that saves police resources says Epperson. Although Epperson says banks need to be careful about whom they suspect is a bank robber. "Someone that comes in with baggy clothes and a hat and sunglasses is not necessarily a bank robber," says Epperson. Although bank customers WTVO talked to say banks should not worry about offending people. "I think if they get mad, they can use the ATM," says Rockton Resident Melissa Beals. "Banks are the ones who pay the insurance, they can decide how you dress in their establishment," says Rockford Resident Mike Guzzardo. "Customers will feel we`ve taken an extra step," says Peterson. "We`re not going to take this anymore." The group of banks joining forces for this new initiative will be making a formal announcement of the plan Monday. Local law enforcement officers will be there endorsing the move.