The recent robbery attempt at the Wells Fargo Bank on Linden Avenue brings up the question; What to do if you are in the vicinity of a robbery going down. We posed this question to our FB readers and the responses were varied.
We then asked Sergeant Tom Neary with our Police Department for safety tips and we encourage our neighbors to review this information. And share it with others. Chances are you will never be in this situation yet it’s good information to have in your mind. As Everything South City always says, Don’t be scared, be prepared!
Our readers suggest:
Danny Herrera Use the drive through teller
Bryan Jason Aquino Don’t be a hero. Banks are insured, you are not.
Laura Servetti-Lewis As a Banker we are trained not to follow the robber outside. I have been taught by the best the last 40 years thanks SSFPD Bobby Collins
Joseph Zich In Nevada we pull our legal carry gun and smoke the purp!!!!
Julie Bettencourt Cliff If the bank was Wells Fargo, I would just let him proceed. After all, Wells Fargo robs thousands of people every day.
Carla Barbetti Be alert to describing markings
Jim Chazer Don’t do a thing. Thug might have backup keeping an eye out for heroes.
Beata Morena Think I would hit the floor and stay there. Help ! We need some advice here Blues
Steve Aurilio Be a good witness. Stay alive! (Property can be replaced). Any identifying characteristics that cannot likely be changed: tattoos, birthmarks, scars, etc. When time is right, write down everything you can remember on paper, dust with finger, lipstick, whatever. Commit all your senses: sights, sounds, smells, voices, names called out. Recall places they touched for possible prints. Direction of travel. On foot? Car sound? Then pray thanking God you’re still alive!
Art Gonzalez Not a thing! This isn’t Hollywood.
Raquel Cordon-Curtis Beat the robber up and take their gun, well I did that to my home invader at 3 in the morning, ok he didn’t have a gun , but I got him till the cops showed up , my husband and I, I think I’ll try to walk out the bank and call 911
SSFPD Sgt Tom Neary recommends:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings. If suspicious persons appear to be loitering in or near the bank, do not enter, retreat to a safe area and alert the police
2. Cooperate. In the event you are in the middle of a bank robbery, so what you are told to do and do not argue of physically resist. Always assume the robber has an accomplice. Listen to directions and comply.
3. Do not communicate with others. Remain calm by breathing deeply.
4. Pay attention to details. Even if you are directed to lie on the floor and not look up, you can hear things that may be useful for the investigation/for example any accent or speech, the sound of a vehicle (V8/6/4 cc). All financial institutions have very good surveillance systems, so do not sacrifice your safety by trying to get a great description of the robber.
5. Make note of any distinguishing features of the robber/for example tattoos or scars.
6. Always assume a weapon, but take note of any seen.
7. Do not speak to others after the event, as their account may conflict with yours and may not be more accurate
8. Call a family member or friend when safe for support.
9. Cooperate with the police investigation.
10. Seek counseling as robberies are always a traumatic experience.
Bank robberies do occur in all areas and usually do not result in violence or injuries.
Robberies in general are becoming more violent, regardless of the level of cooperation. Always try to be aware of your surroundings and listen to your sixth sense regarding danger.
The only time you should resist is when the robber wants you to go somewhere with him. This is evidence of a desire for what is considered a secondary crime scene-you don’t want to go there as it is a place of privacy for the bad guy.
When encountering a suspicious vehicle while walking, always be aware that you have the advantage of walking or running the other way where as the vehicle needs to make a u-turn in traffic.
Do not be distracted by or unnecessarily display expensive electronic devices while in public.
If you carry a purse, keep in concealed as best possible/for example under clothing and in front of you.
Most crimes can be prevented by making yourself or your home a hard target. Criminals are usually looking for the path of least resistance.