WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The Westerville Division of Police is asking banks located within the city limits to encourage customers to bank without hoodie, sunglasses, ballcaps and cell phones.
Working with the FBI, the effort is an attempt to discourage bank robbers from committing the federal offense.
Westerville police are handing out special window tags which asks bank patrons to remove hoodies, sunglasses, ballcaps and cell phones upon entering the bank for business.
NBC 4 spoke with Westerville Police crime prevention specialist Carrie Ryan to discuss the advantages of the program.
"It's all about keeping people safe, not violating their rights. No other police department in Ohio has such a program. The FBI stats show a vast majority of bank robbers use hoodies, hats or sunglasses to conceal their identity, making it harder for witnesses and law enforcement to catch them," Ryan said.
A few community banks have already complied with the request. One, CME Federal Credit Union at 428 East State Street has actually had a similar policy in place since March 2008.
"We would like to think our policy has kept bank robbers away," said Suzanne McCann, vice president of sales and operations.
CME breached the issue several years ago, but banking executives were hesitant to install the policy. However, McCann says, a series of robberies in 2007 and 2008 fast tracked it.
Enforcing the no hoodie, ballcap, sunglasses and cell phone policy has been interesting for CME.
"When a customer opens an account we make sure they are aware of the policy. We also remind customers in our newsletters. Also, our tellers take on an active role in asking customers to comply," McCann said.
CME admits their hands are tied when it comes to enforcing the policy. They cannot make a person remove their hoodie or hat.
But Ryan says this is a good thing, adding that compliant customers will keep a sharp eye on those who resist. Of the big banks with branches in Westerville, all are currently evaluating Westerville police's request.
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