Bank Saftey

[LadyDeath]

Attending banks have always been a risk for an individual. Within the last few years, bank related crimes have been on the rise. Some of the events that took place have ranged from

1. Criminals robbing people of their money after they have exited the bank. They do this in broad daylight, in car parks or follow them home.

2. Criminals are now in the form of bank employees that monitor people withdrawing large sums of cash and relating the info to their partners. The partners get the name, address and phone number from bank cheques or slips and proceed to make the robbery.

3. Pensioners, disabled people and immigrants are now being targeted mostly because they have a physical weakness. Immigrants incl. Because some cannot speak english and would not be worrying for saftey much as the locals.

4. Bank car parks are very dangerous. If you are walking from the bank to you car, ask for security assistance, have someone stay on the phone with you, conceal your money properly , try to dress as casual as possible and walk brisk. Have a object that can be used as a defensive weapon in close
Range.

5. Lastly, it is always encouraged that you have an escort driver to pick you up directly infront of the bank or for company to walk to lonely areas after exititing the bank.

 

[MangaAddict]

Thanks for the tips LadyDeath, criminals are increasing in numbers in the recent years and are getting bolder and taking a lot more risks. People really need to be vigilant in these times!

 

[Shadowhunter]

Excellent advice! Will definitely be taking them into account!

 

[Saxman642]

I will throw in not having a predictable pattern.

Don't always go to the same branch, at the same time, on the same day of the week. (using the same means of getting there, if possible)

While my home branch is nearest to me, I use other branchs to avoid being patterned, and I literally go to the bank "when I feel like"

 

[LadyDeath]

Also online banking is an option now, so banks can be avoided for certain transactions. I find this easier than standing up in a line waiting to deposit into accounts etc. when it can be done at home

 

[nirtime]

One of the most missed options: Do not show up to a bank in a marked company vehicle.

As for defense, as long as you have a physical key and not a smart key you can pretty much curl the alarm remote in your hand and stick the key out your fist and use it as a weapon to poke someone's eyes. May not always work but its better than nothing.

Another thing that people don't do is be observant. Sometimes characters loiter around the atm areas or just outside the bank etc.. Even need to be careful of people sitting in vehicles.

If making a deposit, count the sum prior to entering the bank and keep it folded in half in your pocket along with your bank card so you can just stick the card in, put the money in the envelope and be out of there in a lot less time while minimizing on activity. That way there is less time and less distraction, giving you more chances to be alert.

 

[LadyDeath]

Good Point:


New Story: Robbers pretending to be beggars and when you stop to take them on or take out your purse/wallet they snatch it and run.


What i usually do ignore the people by the bank. Yes i give charity but not by the bank. It almost happened to my grandmother but she ran and screamed. This alerted securities who then came outside to catch the perp but he got away

 

[nirtime]

I think its evident that in Trinidad especially we don't talk to people outside a bank, thats just asking for distraction and trouble.
Good heads up though! Will keep more eyes out for it.

 

[Shadowhunter]

Not to add to anyone's fears, but security jobs are among those jobs that people can possibly get through with based on who they know rather than their background. Not all security go through background checks, certificate of character, recommendations, interviews, drug tests etc and even so, not all criminals start out dirty. Basically, even security can take note of who's coming in a nice vehicle, dressed nicely to deposit or withdraw large sums if it's in their vision. These notes can be taken for their own personal info, or to pass on to their own or someone else's group for a small cut or just out of loyalty.

 

[nirtime]

Yes very much so. I never trust security for these reasons. But I believe the most widely used thing should be rely on your instincts.

 

[LadyDeath]

Especially ATMs in the night.. Gosh they are scary.

I usually use the closest Less dangerous ones in my area. I usually go to Unipet 24hr Gas Stations to use their ATM machine. At least there are people in and out all hour the night plus security guards

 

[Shadowhunter]

Especially ATMs in the night.. Gosh they are scary.

I usually use the closest Less dangerous ones in my area. I usually go to Unipet 24hr Gas Stations to use their ATM machine. At least there are people in and out all hour the night plus security guards

I went to one of those once, real late in the night. The door was tied to something to keep it wide open and it was dimly lit. When I went in it felt like everyone else was so far away! I made someone wait right in front of the door to watchman for me lol