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Armed Robbery Reduction: A Strategic Approach From a Major Australian Bank

NCJ Number
127946
Author(s)
G Griffiths
Date Published
Unknown
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study presents the security measures adopted by a major Australian bank after a comprehensive nationwide and bank-specific analysis of bank robberies.
Abstract
The crime analysis consisted of an exhaustive international literature review, a review of 836 records of bank robberies at the bank's various branches, a questionnaire to all branches regarding procedures for automatic teller machines, and interviews with security specialists. Study data covered types of offenders, the typical offender, criminal methods, weapons used, nationwide robbery patterns, robbery clearances, and sentencing. Following research analysis, a number of security measures were implemented by the bank. Branch bank designs have been enhanced to allow for greater surveillance of entries. Tellers located at the rear of the branch with various barriers between them and the entrance makes it more difficult for robbers to get in and out of the bank quickly. Target-hardening measures include the use of bullet resistant glass, pop-up screens, and a counter anti-jump screen. In the area of personnel, a senior-level regional manager has been assigned a part-time responsibility for security and risk management. To reduce the potential for large losses, the bank has streamlined the management of cash holdings at the counter and in the branches. Personnel security training has also been enhanced using training videos. 65-item bibliography and 11 figures