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Show MAKING IT HARDER FOR BANK ROBBERS Mechanical Devices That Impede Im-pede the Work of Bandits Described by Bankers As-' sociation Official. The Impediments which the hard working bank robber now meets In plying bis trade among small as well as large banks arc described by James E. Baum, Deputy Manager American Bankers Association In charge of its Protective Department, in an article in "Banking" published by his organization. "Protective equipment will minimize mini-mize If not prevent loss," Mr. Baum says, "such as the silent automatic type of alarm, approved tear gas sys terns, several styles of bandit resisting resist-ing enclosures and tlmelocks, or safes equipped with timelocks, which can be set for intervals of a few minutes. "The silent automatic alarms operate op-erate in the beginning of a holdup and through action carried out by the bank employees in obedience to the bandits' commands. They are adaptable .o the smaller banks which continue to be easiest targets for bank robbery. Tear Gas Systems "Tear gas systems have their advantages ad-vantages as self-contained protective units where outside aid is inconvenient inconven-ient or too remote from the bank to be effective. One objection to the use of tear gas in preventing holdup Is the need of pressing a lever or button but-ton to discharge it. Although this necessary action seems too much to expect of the victims In a crisis where their lives are in jeopardy, th fact remains that tear gas systems have defeated bank robbery. Its deterrent de-terrent value Is also important. "Different styles of bandit resist lng enclosures are available. The lock manufacturers also produce tlmelocks which can be set to open at Intervals of five minutes or longer. These locks are especially adapted for attachment to small safes or chests for safeguarding surplus funds while the bank is open for business." |
