NCJ Number
53000
Journal
Security Management Volume: 22 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1978) Pages: 6-8
Date Published
1978
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A ROBBERY PREVENTION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED AT THE NATIONAL BANK OF DETROIT, MICH., IS DESCRIBED. THE PROGRAM INVOLVED A NEW AND IMPROVED REWARD PLAN AND THE INSTALLATION OF BULLET-RESISTANT BARRIERS.
Abstract
THE DETROIT CLEARING HOUSE ASSOCIATION REWARD PLAN PAYS $1,000 TO ANYONE WHO PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT LEADS TO THE ARREST AND INDICTMENT (NOT NECESSARILY CONVICTION) OF ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO ROBS A PARTICIPATING BANK OR SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. MONTHLY ADVERTISEMENTS ARE PLACED IN AREA NEWSPAPERS AND BUS CARDS TO INFORM PEOPLE OF THE REWARD PLAN. THE REWARD PLAN HAS PROVED TO BE INCENTIVE TO INFORMANTS AND A DETERRENT TO BANK ROBBERS. BULLET-RESISTANT BARRIERS COMPOSED OF PLEXIGLASS WERE INSTALLED IN 105 SMALL BANKING OFFICES. THE BARRIERS OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST SMALL, MEDIUM, AND SOME HIGH-POWER HANDGUNS, SHOTGUNS, RIFLES, AND CROSS-BOWS, WHICH ARE THE WEAPONS MOST OFTEN USED IN BANK ROBBERIES. IN 1974, WHEN THE BANK RELIED ON DETECTION DEVICES AND GUARDS, 54 ROBBERIES OCCURRED. IN 1977, AFTER THE PLAN WENT INTO EFFECT, ONLY FIVE ROBBERIES OCCURRED (A 90 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT). A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS WERE LOST THROUGH ROBBERIES IN 1974, WHILE ONLY $50,000 WERE LOST IN 1977. ALTHOUGH BARRIERS COST MORE THAN THE TRADITIONAL DETECTION METHODS, THEY ARE A ONE-TIME COST, WHEREAS THE REWARD PLAN IS A RECURRING COST. IN VIEW OF THE FEWER NUMBER OF ROBBERIES AND SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED LOSSES, HOWEVER, IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THESE EXPENDITURES HAVE BEEN RECOVERED FULLY. A SAMPLE ADVERTISEMENT OF THE REWARD PLAN IS INCLUDED. (KJM)