While everyone works assiduously against robbery, chances are that the menace cannot be completely eliminated from our society, at least for now. So, what is most essential at the moment is that we learn how to prevent ourselves from being injured in case there is a violent robbery in a bank.
Every law enforcement official will tell you the same thing: the most heroic act you should take in a bank robbery is to notice details about the robber. It is extremely risky (to yourself and others) to try to stop the robbery by force. Keep in mind that an increasing number of bank robbers are using powerful drugs (cocaine and methamphetamine, for example) during the robbery, which can provide extraordinary energy and ability to withstand pain. You don’t want to take chances with an intoxicated person in a desperate situation – it’s simply not worth all of the money in the world.
If you notice that a bank robbery is in progress, simply get some details on the robber that you can pass on to the police. Some helpful information:
- Clothing – look for layers under the visible layer (the outer layer will come off)
- Physical characteristics – height, weight, eyes, hair, mannerisms, scars/tattoos
- Automobile description (not the most important since it’s probably stolen, but police might be able to catch the robber shortly after the event)
- Direction of travel
- Weapons – the police need to know if the robber is armed (Pritchard, 2019).
Remember that the bank robber is trying to avoid getting caught, and he probably knows what you’re looking for. Therefore, do not stare at a bank robber. In fact, it’s best not to attract any attention to yourself. Simply follow instructions so that the robber can get out of there as soon as possible. Law enforcement will pursue the robber. Agitating a bank robber can result in harm to yourself and/or others (Pritchard, 2019).
If the bank robbery is the type where the robber wants to take hostages, then there isn’t much advice to offer, as things can get out of control easily. Some robbers want to take a hostage with them to secure the getaway (then they might drop you off a mile away, or they might have other things in mind – you never know). Whether or not you resist is up to you. There are a variety of ways to make yourself less attractive as a hostage. Be creative: use emotions, bodily functions, or anything else you can think of that will make the robber want to leave you behind.
Keep in mind that the robber may or may not be reasonable. If he promises to let you go immediately following the getaway, you need to decide how confident you are that things will go according to plan (Pritchard, 2019).
Avoid staying too long in the banking hall. Timing is very critical in a banking gall. Still loitering at the premises of a bank long after you are done with your transaction is not advisable. This exposes you to untold danger. It isn’t a place for unnecessary socialization. Once you are done with your transactions, take your leave (Olupohunda, 2016). In case there is robbery at the bank, if you happen to be moving through the exit, you might be able to continue out, but making any sudden movements would not be advisable. Nor would doing anything other than exactly what the robber tells you to do (Geffner, 2013).
Never try to reach for your mobile phone. If you’re on the premises when a violent robbery is taking place, just look beyond your phone because the robber might think you are trying to reach out to law enforcement agents and prompt them to terminate your life. They may even think you are trying to bring out a gun. So, just surrender to them and obey every order they dish out. Keep your two hands within sight (Olupohunda, 2016).
Don’t ever try to intervene during bank robbery. Safety is the No. 1 reason why customers shouldn’t try to intervene. “You want to cooperate with everything the robber says because the robbers are very nervous, too. Adrenaline is high and anything can set them off. Just cooperate and get it over with as quickly as possible and no one will get hurt,” says Rosemary Erickson, a bank security consultant and president of Athena Research Corp. in Coral Gables, Fla.
That advice applies even if the robber demands your wallet, purse, cash or cellphone. None of your possessions are worth the risk of arguing. Don’t put your life on the line because you want to get some vital pieces of information for the police (Geffner, 2013).
If you eventually get some evidence, help in preserving them. After the robber has left the building and everybody is safe, take a breath and relax – you made it! Now, be sure not to disturb any evidence left by the robber. Do not walk over to the area where the robber was, and certainly, don’t touch anything that the robber touched (or left behind). Help others keep the evidence intact. Everybody will be excited, and they may forget that the crime scene cannot be altered. Gently remind them – stressing that the police need the information – that they should not disturb any evidence. By leaving the crime scene intact, law enforcement will have a better chance of identifying the robber (Pritchard, 2019).
ATM Safety Tips
- Try to use machines you are familiar with, and try to use terminals located in banks rather than independent terminals.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look around before conducting a transaction. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
- If you must use an ATM after hours, make sure it’s well-lit.
- Never walk away from an ATM with cash still in hand. If you are going to count your money, do so at the ATM.
- When making an ATM transaction from your car, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes and ears open, and keep your car doors locked (Borderstan.com, 2009).
References
Geffner, M (2013). 4 Tips To Surviving A Bank Robbery. Retrieved from https://www.bankrate.com/banking/4-tips-to-surviving-a-bank-robbery/
Olupohunda, B (2016). 6 Ways To Avoid Getting Killed In A Bank Robbery. Retrieved from https://www.legit.ng/472245-6-ways-to-avoid-getting-killed-in-a-bank-robbery-in-lagos.html
Pritchard, J (2019). What To Do In A Bank Robbery. Retrieved from https://www.thebalance.com/what-to-do-in-a-bank-robbery-315792