Peggy Theisen

Employee and customer safety is the bank’s No. 1 priority. Because robberies have increased in the past several months, I’d like to review some procedures and tips that will ensure everyone’s safety. Staying informed, alert and prepared is the best defense.

Sometimes all it takes to deter a robber is to make direct eye contact or extend a friendly greeting.

Should you find yourself the victim in a robbery, the two most important things to remember are:

1) Be calm.

2) Comply.

We’re not looking for heroes who take risks to protect bank funds. We expect everyone to think of people first.

Be observant. Make a mental note of as many details as you can about the robber’s appearance: height (use height markers on door frames as a reference), build (slender, stocky), voice (high, low, nasal, smooth, gravely), clothing and mannerisms. Are there visible tattoos?

At least two people at every branch should know how to use the video surveillance equipment, both for viewing and for downloading images. Always be aware of people in and around the branch, and don’t ever hesitate to call the police if you see someone acting suspiciously or who appears to be casing the bank — in other words, paying excessive attention to either the inside or outside of the building.

Always follow the prescribed dual-control procedures when opening and closing the branch. Even those among us who work at corporate or in non-branch roles at our outlying offices need to be aware of these policies.

And try not to stay so late that you have to leave the building by yourself. If you do, call someone on your cell phone before you head outside, and remain on the phone until you are safely in your vehicle with the doors locked.

It’s up to you and me — every one of us — to stay safe.