Morning Glory Robberies

 

 

 

Not only are robberies becoming more frequent and more violent, but we are also aware that our old nemesis, the morning glory robbery, is making a comeback. (According to BankersOnline.com)

The morning glory robbery got its name from the fact that it happens first thing in the morning-before the banking office is opened. Either the robber breaks into the office undetected, or hides in the office the day before and waits overnight for the members of the staff to arrive the next morning.

 

 

 

 

Morning Glory robberies and Closing Time robberies are the most daring and most costly in the banking industry. And if you have experienced such a robbery, chances are several factors have come into play:

• The robbery has been well planned in advance.
• The robbers have staked out the location well in advance.
• There’s a chance some banking staff member was involved.

These type robberies are so devastating that the BPA (Bank Protection Act) requires all bank security plans to have a working opening and closing plan approved by the Board of Directors. In my former employment, the bank Audit Department took an active role in the opening and closing procedures by policing the procedures during the branch audits.

MORNING OPENING PROCEDURE

The opening procedure should always be used when opening the bank each morning and at any other time the banking office is reopened if all employees left while the office was closed. And the process should always involve two employees.

 

 

 

(It is not feasible, within the scope of this article, to include a detailed opening procedure. This procedure should be made a part of the bank’s overall “Master Security Plan” and should be considered confidential. All bank employees should declare this confidentiality, by a signed agreement. However, with permission of the bank, this author can assist in this policy draft)

The following opening procedure precautions are advised, but are not mandatory:

• The number of employees having keys should be held to an absolute minimum.
• The opening inspection should be held before other employees are normally scheduled to arrive.
• All employees should be scheduled to arrive before vault opening.
• Employees should be discouraged from arriving prior to opening inspection and should be reminded that doing so endangers their safety.
• Customers should not be admitted prior to beginning of banking hours. If, however, it is necessary to admit someone, the same procedure for admitting employees should be followed.

 

CLOSING PROCEDURE

The closing is similar in nature to a reversible opening procedure. First survey the lobby for suspicious persons and inspect areas, such as coupon booths, and the break room, where someone may be hiding. Then, initiate the closing procedure, as quickly as all customers have left the banking office. Remember, once all customers have left, lock all doors and do not allow customers to reenter the banking lobby.

 

 

(As in the opening procedure, it is not feasible to include a detailed opening procedure within the scope of this article. This procedure should be made a part of the bank’s overall “Master Security Plan” and should be considered confidential. All bank employees should declare this confidentiality, by a signed agreement. However, with permission of the bank, this author can assist in this policy draft)

 

 

The following precautions should be made a part of the closing procedure. The last person leaving the bank should:

• Open all blinds and curtains, including those at drive-in windows.
• Turn on all night lights not controlled at main panel or by timer or photo electric cell.
• Lock all exterior doors.

POINTS TO PONDER

• Does your financial instruction have an Opening and Closing procedure?
• If so, have the procedures ever been challenged?
• Have the procedures ever failed?
• How long have the procedures been successful?

In my tenure, as Security Director of a major interstate bank, the bank’s opening and closing procedures were never compromised. Not like some other banks, in the same geographical area, in which severe losses were realized.

 

Remember, the only procedure for preventing the so-called’ morning glory” robbery is a comprehensive “opening and closing” policy. However, the policy is of no effect, unless practiced religiously on a daily basis.

 

And today, as never before, pressures are mounting to open the banking offices early for a number of reasons, including early meetings, customer account business, etc. So, be careful. Always know and follow the banks excepted audit and security precautions