TSS Bulletproof » Bank Security

From the "Duh" file: If it can stop a bullet, your axe is useless

Jim — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:25:50 +0000

Earlier this month, a would-be Chinese bank robber tried to bust through bulletproof glass with an axe. Apparently, the robber failed to reason that if the glass can stop a bullet, it can definitely stop an axe.

Total Security Solutions Delivers Bulletproof Quality, Value to Evans Consoles

Jim — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:18:59 +0000

Founded in 1980 and privately owned, Evans Consoles is the world leader in the design and manufacturing of custom control room solutions for mission critical and other technology-intensive environments. Specializing in custom console, millwork and audio-visual enclosure solutions, Evans has built the reputation over the last 30 years of providing quality and service that continues to lead the industry.

About a year ago, Evans Consoles began working with Total Security Solutions.

“Initially, we were doing business with a Total Security Solutions’ competitor,” said Enzo Serpentini, a procurement specialist with Evans Consoles. “We were dissatisfied by the customer service.”

Evans turned to Total Security Solutions for help with bulletproof glass for new shopping mall-based financial facilities.

“The first quote came back exceptionally lower than what the competitor was charging, so we gave Total Security Solutions a shot,” Serpentini explained.

The product price was only the beginning of Evans Consoles’ satisfaction with Total Security Solutions. Even though Evans Consoles delivery timeline were very time sensitive, Total Security Solutions had no problem in meeting project deadline. Delivering remarkable turn around time, within two weeks, Total Security Solutions had shipped the product.

“Total Security Solutions made Evans Consoles look pretty good because our customer was happy,” Serpentini said. “We’ve used Total Security Solutions as our bulletproof glass provider since that initial experience.”

“I know that I don’t have to worry when Total Security Solutions is on board,” Serpentini added. “Once I give Total Security Solutions a purchase order, I can cross it off of my list because I’m confident the job will get done right, on time. I wouldn’t consider shopping elsewhere.”

Bank Robber Thwarted by Bulletproof Glass

Jim — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:59:29 +0000

A would-be bank robber in Smyna, Georgia was thwarted by bulletproof glass yesterday. The robbery attempt occurred at a BB&T Bank at around 11 a.m.

According to police, the man was caught on camera handing a bank teller a note demanding money. Fortunately, the area is protected by bulletproof glass.

The man left the bank empty handed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3945.

The Many Faces of Bulletproof Glass

Jim — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:19:31 +0000

Bullet resistant glass (better known as bulletproof glass) is referred to very often in this niche industry. However it is a little known fact that in most cases there is no actual “glass” involved. The three most common forms of ballistic security glass are acrylic, polycarbonate and glass class polycarbonate.

Bullet Resistant Acrylic from Total Security Solutions

Acrylic: Bulletproof acrylic is the most commonly used material for transaction windows and ballistic resistant barrier systems. The acrylic material is available in UL ballistic protection levels one and two. The acrylic also has the option to have an abrasion resistant (AR) coating or be standard acrylic. The abrasion resistant coating comes standard on our level two acrylic and provides protection against cleaning solvents and weather, as well as an increased resistance to the effects of ultra violet light.

Polycarbonate: Bulletproof polycarbonate materials are normally composed of an acrylic core with two polycarbonate caps each side of the secure surface. Polycarbonate materials are available in UL ballistic protection levels one thru three and all three come standard with an abrasion resistant coating. All of the polycarbonate materials that Total Security Solutions offers also have a forced entry rating.

Glass Clad Polycarbonate: Glass Clad Polycarbonate (GCP) materials are composed of inter layers of glass and polyurethane with exterior caps of glass and abrasion resistant polycarbonate. GCP comes in UL ballistic protection levels one thru five and level eight as well. All of the GCP materials that Total Security Solutions offers carry a forced entry level in addition to their ballistic rating.

Now when someone is talking about bulletproof glass you can ask them, “what type of ‘glass’ are you talking about”…if it’s even glass at all! For more information on ballistic materials such as bulletproof glass please visit our website or call us at 866-930-7807

Installing a Bullet Proof Transaction Window: It’s As Easy As 1, 2, 3.

Jim — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:04:20 +0000

Bullet proof transaction windows tend to be the most commonly asked for and purchased item when it comes to bullet resistant products. Upon purchase the most frequently asked question is, “How do I install it?”

While we would love to be able to install every transaction window ourselves, it’s just not economical for either party. Instead Total Security Solutions has came up with a simple three step process for customers to “do it yourself”:

Transaction Window Install Instructions

Cut and finished an opening in the wall to accept the unit size. The opening should be ¼” wider and taller than the size of the ordered unit.
Place the pre framed window in the opening, shim as necessary, assuring that the item is level and in the correct position desired. Attach the sides to the existing wall with the provided screws (use anchors if the wall is masonry).
Apply trim, molding that can be obtained locally, around the window and your project is finished.

Bullet proof transaction windows come in UL protection levels 1-3 and several different types (such as the baffle and arched voice port). All of Total Security Solutions transaction windows come with a full installation packet which includes the instructions, hardware, caulk, glass cleaner and towels to clean the glass. For more information on transaction windows visit our website or call 866-930-7807.

The Anatomy of a Bullet Proof Transaction Window

Jim — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:29:44 +0000

Bullet Proof Transaction Windows are the most common item of protection when it comes to bullet resistant products. At a glance they seem very simple; it’s just a piece of bullet resistant acrylic and some frames right? In theory that would be a good analogy but in actuality there are a lot of components that go in to engineering and ultimately building a transaction window. Depending on if you’re looking at a Baffle System, an Arched Voice Port or a Hole in Backer System the amount of work that goes in to each transaction window to make it secure is anything but simple.

Arched Voice Port Bullet Resistant Transaction Window

Starting from the ground up we begin with the counter top that transaction windows often have. The counter top is the foundation for the entire window and they come in two standard forms. The most common counter top material is plastic laminate, which can be provided in a number of different colors. The other is stainless steel. Stainless steel counter tops are often used in exterior applications and upon customer request. After the counter top is constructed then the currency tray must be either cut in or placed on top of the counter to allow money to pass between customers and employees. Most of our currency trays are recessed in to the counter top. Next comes the framing for the transaction window. Attached to the counter top is either a U channel bracket or 2 piece channel to secure the counter and window together along with pieces of 2 piece channel along the sides and top to hold the bullet proof glass in place.

Before the bullet proof glass is put in place the determination of what type of voice transmission needs to be decided. If you have chosen a baffle system, arched voice port or voice around then this is already decided; however other voice port systems are available such as the hole in backer, MK1 and MK2. Now that the counter top, frames and voice transmission system are chosen we move on the most important piece, the Bullet Proof Glass. Most transaction windows come with a level one bullet resistant 1 ¼” acrylic, however there are many other options for levels of protection. Bullet proof Glass Clad polycarbonate is available in transaction windows from bullet resistant levels 1-3 as well as polycarbonate materials. Level three LP1250 contains two 1/8^th layers of polycarbonate sandwiched around an inch of bullet resistant acrylic. LP1250 offers great transparency along with a high level of protection.

There are many other transaction windows that are available such as bullet proof horizontal sliders and exterior transaction windows that can be installed in your place of business. For more information on transaction windows visit our products section of our website.

Bullet Proof Glass at its Finest

Jim — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:26:45 +0000

There was recently a story in the news that brought smiles to all of our faces here at Total Security Solutions. What was that story about you ask; the use of a bullet resistant barrier to detour a robber away from a bank in Florida. A burglar comically passed a note through the bullet resistant barrier and told the bank teller to “put your hands up”. The bank teller, standing behind a secure sound bullet resistant system, told the thief to “Kick Rocks”, for lack of better word.

Bullet Resistant Barriers

The would be robber was flustered and didn’t know what to do, so burglar took the honorable route (if that’s possible for a bank robber) and turned around then walked out the door. The lawbreaker was found a few hours later after being identified from a missing hubcap on the getaway vehicle. The crook didn’t put up any fight (just like in the bank) and admitted to the crimes immediately.

This just goes to show that bullet resistant systems can prevent crooks and robbers from turning violent in an environment that has a high volume of customers. Systems such as the secure sound bullet resistant system are available from Total Security Solutions to help employees and customers feel safer in a high risk environment.

For more information on systems like the secure sound system follow this link for all of your needs.

Passing Pennies (Quarters, nickels and Dimes)

Jim — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:14:09 +0000

Currency Tray from Total Security Solutions

Items like package passers are great for larger items such as UPS packages, bottles and other bulky items but they aren’t the best option when it comes to passing the most common item of all in a place of business, money. Currency trays are one of the most important items in a transaction area and they are often one of the last things on a person’s mind when it comes to ordering their bullet resistant products.

The three most common currency trays that you’ll see in banks, check cashiers, pawn shops and some convenience stored and gas stations are the standard currency tray, the flip lid and sliding currency tray. The standard tray comes in five different sizes and two different variations in which both have custom sizes available. They can either be recessed in a countertop or mounted on the top. All standard trays are also available with a bullet trap system that lets a bullet travel through the tray and in to a confined area to trap the bullet. The flip lid tray is often used in some exterior applications and is very similar to the standard tray, just with covers over the openings and a flat bottom to the tray. These trays are available in one size along with custom sizes as well. The sliding currency tray is very similar to the flip lid tray in terms of shape and functionality. The sliding tray has a lock on the employee side for added security and allows for some larger, bulkier items (such as cigarette cartons) to be passed without an issue. The sliding tray is available in one size as well as custom sizes as well. All of these types of currency trays can be installed in to any transaction window and are great for many different applications.

Below are the available standard sizes for all currency tray:

Standard Flip Lid Sliding

Counter Recessed Counter Recessed Counter Recessed

12″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″ 14-1/2″ x 16-1/2″ x 2-3/4″ 14″ x 14″ x 2-3/4″
14″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
16″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
14″ x 13″ x 2-1/2″
14″ x 17″ x 1-3/4″

Counter Recessed with Bullet Trap

12″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
14″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
16″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
14″ x 13″ x 2-1/2″
14″ x 17″ x 1-3/4″

Counter Mount

12″ x 8″ x 2″
14″ x 8″ x 2″
16″ x 8″ x 2″

***Custom Sizes are available for all currency trays***

There are other variations of currency trays available to customers to fit their needs. For more information view our website or call Total Security Solutions today.

Protecting Your Investments

Jim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:46:41 +0000

Bullet resistant fiberglass from Total Security Solutions

Bullet resistant fiberglass is somewhat of an afterthought to crooks and robbers. It’s normally well hidden underneath drywall or underneath a countertop; but there are many more uses for bullet resistant fiberglass then someone might think…

In the home: Just about anyone has something priceless that they would be devastated about if it were stolen; working like a safe room area bullet resistant fiberglass can do that. The fiberglass sheets can be constructed in to a room very similar to drywall to secure valuables and also keep your family safe from intruders in the case of a burglary.
At the workplace: There is a security risk at any job. Some (such as bank tellers) have a higher risk of being robbed at gun point then others. One way to keep employees and yourself secure is to line the transaction areas in bullet resistant fiberglass. It is not only a deterrent for burglars but also helps prevent total vandalism. The fiberglass panels are solid as a rock and are practically unbreakable, unlike drywall.
In the community: Schools, police departments and fire departments are also unfortunately at very high risk for criminal activity. In community locations such as these security is one of the first things that should be taken in to consideration. While there is no way to stop all violent crimes in these sectors, there is a way to prevent some of the very violent ones from happening with some added security. Fiberglass panels (along with other security measures) will show to a would be gunmen or disgruntled person that the community is serious about protecting its own.
Banks: The last (and most obvious) spot that needs added security is a bank. In a lot of cases there are entire walls, counters and rooms lined with bullet resistant fiberglass panels. Banks also tend to place bullet resistant barriers around their teller lines to protect the tellers from threats. The owners of the banks aren’t trying to save their money, which can be replaced. What can’t be replaced are the lives of the employees and customers at the bank. No insurance company can fix what happens after a robbery gone wrong. This is why many banks line as much of the area as they can to help protect their employees and customers from devastating things happening to them.

Bullet Resistant fiberglass can come in many sizes, levels of protection and can custom made for customers as well. Below are our levels of protection listed with the standard sizes of the sheet that they come in.

Level I (9mm)                          Level II           (.357)                           Level III   (.44 Mag)
3′ x 8′, 3′ x 9′, 3′ x 10′              3′ x 8′, 3′ x 9′, 3′ x 10′              3′ x 8′, 3′ x 9′
4′ x 8′, 4′ x 9′, 4′ x 10′              4′ x 8′, 4′ x 9′, 4′ x 10′              3′ x 10′, 4′ x 8′

Click here for more information on bullet resistant fiberglass from Total Security Solutions such as thickness, protection details and additional sizing .

Rotary Package Processor

Jim — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:10:22 +0000

Rotary Package Processor from Total Security Solutions

Like the PE Package Passer (See last week’s blog) the Rotary Package Processor is a great option for convenience stores. However, unlike the PE, the Rotary Package Processor is the perfect option for fast food operations, restaurants and gas stations. This type of Package Processor allows many different (and larger) sized items to be passed back and forth between customers and employees. Like the PE, the Rotary Package Processor is only accessible from one side at a time, meaning that there is not breech possibility

The Rotary Package Processor has many features that are available as well, things such as additional locking mechanisms, integral cash tray protective barriers and three different levels of protection. The Rotary Package Passer comes in one standard size (Box OD 18″ W x 20″ H x 14″ D) as well as custom sizes per customer request and is available in three levels of protection.

For more information on Rotary Package Passers including available sizes and levels of protection click here.

Securing Your Bank Branch with Bullet Resistant Barriers

karenm — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:00:33 +0000

After more than six robberies in the past few years, a West Virginia bank branch is exploring new safety measures to prevent future robberies and protect both employees and customers. “Officials talked about possibly closing the lobby, or installing bullet proof glass at the teller line, or armed guards in the lobby, just to name a few.”

Banks researching the installation of bullet resistant barriers or bandit barriers have several options that can be retrofitted into their current facility. The Arch Window System is the most common bullet-resistant barrier, but the Baffle Window System offers unobstructed views and maximum voice transmission. Read more about available bullet-resistant barrier systems.

Read “Bank Officials Discuss Safety After At Least Six Bank Robberies,” http://www.statejournal.com.

Bullet Resistant Courage

Jim — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:59:17 +0000

Brian Patrick Marlin, charged with attemped robbery.

“PUT THE MONEY IN THE BAG!” is what the thief abruptly told the bank teller through the bullet resistant barrier separating him and her. The teller (while behind the bullet resistant enclosure) noticed that the crook had no weapon on him at all, making the decision to tell the crook that ““We don’t do that here” and turn him away a lot easier on her and her co-workers.

The man, Brian Patrick Marlin, left the bank in anger with no money and no chance of being a free man after this stunt. The police found him later that day just a couple blocks away from the attempted heist, he was charged with attempted bank robbery.

Read: Portland bank employees, confronted by robber, just say no by Bryan Denson clicking by on the title.

Bullet-Resistant Glass Enclosed Vestibule or "Mantrap" Popular Bank Security Measure

karenm — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:15:20 +0000

Recently released FBI crime statistics support the notion that in a struggling economy, the number of bank robberies increases. Chris Mackey, operations manager at Kriebel Security Inc. stated, “We’re [ . . ] seeing increased interest in active security systems that can actually block or trap a robber, as opposed to passive ones, like cameras, that just record the activity.” One of the most popular security options available is known as the “mantrap,” a bullet-resistant glass enclosed vestibule in which customers must pass through a metal detector. If the metal detector is tripped, “a teller can hit a panic button that locks the inside door, preventing the robber from entering the bank. The teller or other official can also lock the street door, too, essentially trapping the robber in the vestibule until law enforcement authorities arrive.”

Read “In down times, bank robbers sticking up” by Martin C. Daks, www.njbiz.com.

Bank Robberies most common on Friday between 9-11am

karenm — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:55:26 +0000

Friday marked the fourth bank robbery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama this year. While that may not sound like a significant number in comparison to other cities, such as New York, Tuscaloosa saw only two robberies last year and none in both 2007 and 2006. Of the four robberies, three are believed to have been committed by the same man. While police officials are still searching for the individuals who have committed these bank robberies, it has been their experience that, “True serial bank robbers are few and far between.” Most are just robbing to support a drug or gambling habit.

As part of the FBI’s bank robbery analysis for the first six months of 2009, it was discovered that “Most of the robberies happened on Fridays. Mornings were the most common time on all days, with most robberies happening between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.”

Read “Friday was fourth bank robbery of 2009” by Stephanie Taylor, www.tuscaloosanews.com.

Image taken from www.tuscaloosanews.com.

2009 Bank Crime Statistics Indicate Decrease in Robberies in Banks with Bullet Resistant Barriers

karenm — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:29:22 +0000

FBI bank crime statistics are available through June 30, 2009. In a quick analysis of of the first two quarters in 2009 compared to 2008, there has been an eight percent decrease overall in the number of robberies, burglaries or larcenies at commercial banks, mutual savings banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions. In addition to the decrease in robberies, the percentage of banks with bullet resistant barriers that were targeted decreased nearly 30%. The southern region, however, continues to have the highest number of bank robberies, with Texas followed by Florida, being hit the worst.

View the complete 2009 FBI bank crime statistics for first quarter or second quarter.

Battle Over Bandit Barriers Continues in New York

karenm — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:02:36 +0000

The battle in New York between the Police Department and bank officials, particulary TD Bank, continues to go on as a bill that would mandate bulletproof barriers sits before the City Council’s Committee on Public Safety. While “banks without barriers represented only 10 percent of the city’s banks, 53 percent of the bank robberies last year occurred in those branches.”

Read “Battle Over Bandit Barriers“ by Michael Wilson, nytimes.com/

Increased Bank Robberies Could Result From Open Layout

karenm — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:59:29 +0000

There has been much controversy in New York lately over a bill that would mandate all banks to install bandit barriers. TD Bank has been the major opposition to the bill as they seek to create a more welcoming environment without bullet resistant glass separating tellers and customers.

A recent article on nytimes.com stated, “Relaxed bank security — often driven by an attempt to create a friendly atmosphere, without barriers between tellers and customers — can attract robbers.” Connecticut can attest to this statement as it has been the target of a series of bank robberies in which the robbers casually entered a bank and handed over a note demanding money to the teller.

The article also comments on a trend toward robberies in the suburbs as opposed to the major cities stating, “Many [. . .] officials point to the casual, open layout of many suburban banks — like the TD Bank branch in Westport — as a possible factor in the trend.”

Read “In Suburbs, Bank Robbers Like the Layout” by Michael Wilson, nytimes.com.

Bullet Resistant Glass Vestibule Traps Would-Be Robber

karenm — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:58:45 +0000

An attempted robbery in Philadelphia was foiled on Friday when a bank teller “triggered a trap” which locked the man “into a vestibule made of bulletproof glass. Police say he fired his .357 Magnum trying to get out,” but eventually gave up when they arrived.

Read “Alleged Robber Trapped in Bank Doors,” myfoxphilly.com

Image taken from myfoxphilly.com.

Arch Window System most Commonly used Bullet Resistant Barrier

karenm — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:24:29 +0000

When a bank or credit union decides to install bullet proof barriers in its facility, they have many different options to choose from. The most common barrier system installed in major retail banks is the Arch Window System. Other barrier systems include Baffle Window, Secure Sound, and Speak Hole and Backer. All four types of bullet resistant barriers provide financial institutions, convenience stores, and government facilities UL Level 1-3 security without obstructing staff/customer interaction. All barriers can also be customized to include cash trays, both counter-mount or recessed.

The oldest bulletproof barrier is the Baffle Window System. Dating back nearly forty years, this system provides unobstructed views through the use of staggered pieces of bullet-resistant glass and also offers natural voice transmission. The Arch Window System was designed approximately 15 years ago to update the Baffle Window concept and improve voice communication. The Secure Sound System wasn’t developed until four or five years ago and enhances voice communication even further.

Ultimately, a bank or credit union’s bullet resistant barrier selection is based on personal preference. Each barrier system offers a slightly different architectural appeal enabling financial institutions to customize their facility.

Bulletproof Glass Foils Bank Robbery

karenm — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:49:34 +0000

A man in Northwest Arkansas, Timothy Barnes, was arrested after two bank robbery attempts. During his first robbery attempt, he “discovered the tellers were behind bullet proof glass, a bank security measure that prevented Barnes from getting anything from tellers during the Friday heist.”

Read “Rogers Man Admits to Robberies” by John Henley Jr., NWAOnline.net.

Banks and Police Clash Over Proposal for Bulletproof Barriers

karenm — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:36:42 +0000

After a 26% spike in first quarter bank robberies following a 57% increase in 2008, the New York City Council proposed a mandate that would require all bank branches to install bulletproof glass barriers. This morning, the Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing for bank industry officials to express their concerns over the “bandit barrier” legislation.

“Bulletproof fortifications around tellers in banks — known as “bandit barriers” [. . .] — have pitted banks and the police against each other in a policy argument over safety, expense and businesses’ rights to manage their own security.”

Read “Banks and Police Clash Over Proposal for Bulletproof Barriers” by Dominick Tao, The New York Times.

Banking on bandit barriers: Bill would make them mandatory in city

karenm — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:46:16 +0000

Taken from nydailynews.com.

By Frank Lombardi

Bank stickups will be the talk of City Hall on Monday.

With the backing of Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, the City Council is moving ahead with a bill to mandate that all 1,698 bank branches in the city erect “bandit barriers” around their tellers.

The bill specifies that bullet resistant barriers or partitions be installed to prevent individuals from getting access “to the protected area where the tellers transact business.”

Failure to erect such barriers will carry a fine of up to $1,500 for each violation, plus an additional fine of as much as $1,500 if the violation isn’t corrected and a $1,000 fine for each day the violation goes uncorrected.

Many banks do have such barriers, but the tougher ballistic standards required in the bill might force them to build new ones.

Banking industry officials will get a chance to sound off at a public hearing this morning being held at City Hall by the Council’s Public Safety Committee.

The bill was prompted by a 26% spike in bank robberies during the first quarter of this year, on top of the 57% increase in robberies last year over the prior year.

However, industry officials report that the robbery rate has fallen since March. A total of 135 robberies were reported through June 23, compared with 192 for the same period last year – a drop of 30%.

In the past, Kelly has expressed special concern about the bank branches now owned by TD Bank, which acquired Commerce Bank last year. The 73 TD/Commerce Bank branches around the city were hit by robbers 46 times last year.

None of the TD Bank branches have bandit barriers; the lack of them is intended to give customers a more inviting atmosphere.

Lawrence Sherman, a criminologist who is a consultant for TD Bank, said, “Not one customer or employee has been injured in the course of a robbery” at any TD/Commerce branch in the city since they began operating in 2001.

But the bill’s main sponsor, Councilman Oliver Koppell (D-Bronx), blasted TD Bank’s lack of barriers, saying: “Chase branches all have the barriers; so do Citibank’s. It’s crazy they are so adamant” about not having them.

‘Red Line Robber’ strikes again in River North

karenm — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:56:58 +0000

Taken from STNG Wire Reports.

Published Monday, June 8, 2009.

A bank branch in the River North area was robbed Monday afternoon and the FBI suspects the “Red Line Robber,” who is believed to have struck at least eight banks.

The robbery happened about 2:25 p.m. at the Charter One Bank branch at 33 W. Grand Ave., according to police News Affairs Officer JoAnn Taylor.

The robber — who unconfirmed sources said was wearing sunglasses — displayed a weapon, though he did not fire it, and no one was injured, Taylor said. He got away with an undetermined amount of cash, and there was a dye pack included, Taylor said.

Investigators believe the robber is the “Red Line Robber,”who is a serial bank robber now suspected n eight thefts from Chicago banks dating to January, FBI spokesman Ross Rice said. He earned his name because all of the branches are located near CTA Red Line stations.

Further details about Monday’s incident were not yet available and FBI agents remained at the scene as of about 4 p.m., he said.

The most recent robbery Red Line bank robbery occurred May 12 at the MB Financial Bank branch at 1 E. Wacker Dr. The day before, the same robber entered the Chase Bank branch in the 6400 block of North Sheridan Road but left without attempting a robbery after he apparently noticed the teller’s area was encased in bulletproof glass.

He is described as a black male with medium build, 30 to 35, 6 feet to 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He has worn sunglasses, a dark-colored baseball cap and a black colored bomber jacket during most robberies.

He is considered armed and dangerous because he carries a handgun, and the FBI believes he rides the CTA to and from the robberies.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification of the suspect. Anyone with information should call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.

Another Wachovia Bank Robbery in Seal Beach–5 So Far This Year in West Orange County To Date

karenm — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:13:03 +0000

Taken from OC180NEWS.com.

By: The Editors, Dolores and Dave Barr

Just 10 days after it was robbed earlier this month, the Wachovia Bank in the Towne Center shopping area at 12310 Seal Beach Blvd. was robbed again this past Friday. This is the third robbery of a Seal Beach Wachovia Bank and the fifth West Orange County bank robbery this year. Unlike the other 2 Wachovia robberies, this time, the suspect did not use a bicycle to escape.

In addition to the 3 robberies at Wachovia Banks, there has been one at the Bank Of America in Los Alamitos, and one at the Washington Mutual in Seal Beach. The FBI arrested Brian Keith Robinson, 49, of Los Angeles, in connection with the January 10 robbery of the Seal Beach Washington Mutual bank. The other suspects remain at large.

On Friday, May 15, 2009 the Seal Beach Police Department received a call via the emergency 911 system which indicated the Wachovia Bank located in the Towne Center shopping area had just been robbed. Responding Officers contacted employees of the bank and found that a male subject had entered the bank and walked to a teller window, presented a note and demanded money. The suspect then ran southbound through the parking lot, out of sight.

The robbery suspect is described as a male black in his 30’s with a medium complexion, a bushy moustache, 5-8 in height, having a muscular build. The suspect was wearing a light “hoodie” sweat shirt, a dark golfer’s type of cap, with dark knee length pants and dark shoes.

There was no weapon seen and the suspect was last seen on foot. The loss was an undetermined amount of cash. Anyone that may have additional information is requested to contact Detective Gary Krogman at the Seal Beach Police Department (562) 799-4100 extension 1108.

Police Stress Deterrence Measures as Bank Robberies Surge in the City

karenm — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:03:36 +0000

Taken from NYTimes.com.

By: Al Baker

One bank robber is aggressive. He always waves a black or silver pistol. He often pulls a scarf over his face and shouts orders to the tellers.

Robbing a bank with partial “bandit barriers,” the thief passed a note and got cash, the police say.

Five days later, at a bank without barriers, the police say, the thief again used a note and got cash.

The other is more passive. He passes notes across the counter and walks away if rebuffed. He wears a hat and glasses and strikes mostly late in the day.

The police say these two men have hit bank branches 24 times in New York City this year, and are largely why the number of bank robberies, after surging last year, is on track to be even higher in 2009.

“We’ll get them,” said Deputy Inspector Charles P. Neacy, sitting at 1 Police Plaza with files on the two robbers in his hands. “As they keep doing them, we are able to pick up additional evidence, whatever it might be.”

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly has expressed concern over the frequency of bank robberies and the seeming ease in carrying them out, particularly at certain branches. He met in January with executives of major banks to push a set of “best practices” for security that were developed in 2003, during the last wave of robberies. Inspector Neacy, who commands the Major Case Squad, has followed up with branch managers.

Now, in the face of a surge, Mr. Kelly said he might push for a city law first contemplated six years ago to require dividers of reinforced glass between customers and tellers, along with other measures he believes would help deter the crimes and lead to more arrests.

He said that he was happy with the cooperation he was getting from most banks, but that he had met some resistance from TD Bank, which detectives say is vulnerable because of an environment bank officials see as more inviting than daunting, with open counters and no partitions. “I am not satisfied with their response,” the commissioner said of his talks with TD, which bought Commerce Bank last year.

Rebecca Acevedo, a bank spokeswoman, said TD followed most safety recommendations but eschewed “bandit barriers” because studies showed that they heightened chances for danger.

“We believe the bandit barriers place customers and employees at risk because they cannot all be behind the barriers,” she said. “So that means it increases the likelihood that a customer or employee could be subject to violence or used as a hostage.”

Besides barriers, the police want banks to use guards or greeters — TD branches do this — who might deter would-be criminals by their presence. They also want banks to use dye packs when filling bags with cash, to put height markers by doorways to determine heights of suspects, and to have countertops on which a robber can leave fingerprints.

Michael P. Smith, the president of the New York Bankers Association, a group that represents commercial banks and thrift institutions in the state, including 1,600 branches in the city, said he would prefer that banks tailor their own security plans rather than have blanket directives foisted upon them by law.

“There is a difference of opinion in security, from a consumption standpoint and a law enforcement standpoint, about whether bandit barriers provide a deterrent,” he said. “Our view is that every possible security procedure should be explored, and I know that the individual banks that have been mentioned, that don’t have bandit barriers, are having conversations with the department to either put in bandit barriers or make other security enhancements.”

The police say that banks with barriers do get robbed, but that their data shows it happens less often than at banks with no barriers. For instance, TD Bank has one of the highest instances of being robbed: This year, there have been 11 robberies among its 69 branches, while there have been 6 among Chase’s 275 branches.

To make the point, Inspector Neacy said that the note-passing thief tried to hit three Chase branches on March 2, before giving up because at each branch a teller — behind bullet-resistant glass — walked away. The suspect then went to a TD Bank with no bandit barriers. “He passes a note and gets cash,” he said.

Last year, banks were robbed 444 times in the city, more than one robbery for each day — and a 57 percent increase over 2007. The police figures reflect all holdups, regardless of whether a suspect left with cash.

This year, bank robberies through March 11 increased to 80 from 54 in the same period last year. More often than not, the thief is caught; since Jan. 1, the police have made arrests in 65 cases, though some were for robberies that occurred before 2009.

Surveillance video and other clues have led officers to believe that the same gun-wielding man has robbed bank branches 11 times and the note-passer 13. All but one of those robberies were in Manhattan.

The note-passer has struck between 4 and 5:30 p.m., entering a bank and producing a note that states he has a gun and wants money. Twice, he hit the same HSBC branch at Eighth Avenue and 14th Street.

Once, in an apparent slip-up, he passed a blank piece of paper, prompting the teller to say, “What’s this?” He left. The police described him as white, about 25 years old, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet, and 160 to 190 pounds.

The second suspect is intimidating and persistent. “If one teller refuses, he’ll go to another,” said David Caskey, the bank robbery coordinator for the F.B.I. and Police Department’s Joint Bank Robbery Task Force, formed in 1979.

That man usually walks in wearing a hat and gloves, pulls a scarf over his face and waves a gun. He is black, in his mid-30s, 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-4, and 195 to 225 pounds.

When the police arrest suspects, detectives ask them about their methods and why they pick the banks they do.

“What they tell us is they’re looking for the easy hits,” Inspector Neacy said.

Bank robbery suspects trade information in jail about easy marks, he said, and jail guards at Rikers Island have even found notes that inmates wrote to teach other inmates how to do it.

“They were practicing,” Inspector Neacy said.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly tells TD Bank to put public safety first after heists

karenm — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:09:05 +0000

Taken from nydailynews.com.

By: Alison Gendar

Bandits have hit TD Bank branches 11 times this year – prompting the NYPD to send management a warning letter saying its banks are the most vulnerable in the city.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly wanted TD, which took over Commerce Bank, to beef up security.

“It is simply unacceptable to put business decisions before public safety,” Kelly wrote.

As if to prove Kelly’s point, a prolific thief successfully robbed $1,000 from a TD branch on Ninth Ave. Monday – after being rebuffed at three Chase branches.

The difference between the two banks: Chase tellers work behind protective barriers; TD’s transactions are in the open.

This same thief is wanted in 12 bank robberies in Manhattan since Jan. 26, police said.

Such repeat offenders are why heists at all banks jumped 57% last year and are up 26% through March 1 this year. TD, which has 69 city branches, accounted for 17% of the robberies this year.

Arrests are also up – 88% – but Kelly and the NYPD’s major case squad have launched a campaign to deter holdups by getting banks to redesign branches that look more like living rooms than places to safeguard cash.

The NYPD wants barriers in front of teller’s windows, eye-level cameras and countertops designed to leave clear fingerprints – and sources said Kelly might ask the City Council to mandate some security measures.

If banks don’t comply, the NYPD will push legislation requiring bandit barriers, high-ranking police sources said.

JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Capital One have started retooling security. TD has made no promises.

“We don’t believe saying that we have a disproportionate amount of robberies is a fair portrayal of us,” TD spokeswoman Rebecca Acevedo said.

Chase installed imposing teller barriers, new counters and eye-level cameras at its bandit-prone 355 Lexington Ave. branch. Similar changes are planned for its other WaMu branches.

In 2008, 21 of Wachovia’s 24 branches were robbed. Wachovia’s new owners, Wells Fargo, lost no time this year to revamp two branches. Capital One has put in bid to install so-called bandit barriers.

Anyone with information in regard to these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).