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NYPD: Banks are Too Friendly, Too Attractive to Robbers
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 11, 2008
Modified Sep 11, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 11, 2008
Modified Sep 11, 2008
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Police Commissioner Ray Kelly is blaming the uptick in robberies this year--265 through September 2, versus last year's 177 during the same period--on banks. A police source tells the Daily News, "The new thing with banks is to be 'friendly' to customers. Branches look like lounges - no glass partitions, no security guards. They are 'friendly,' all right - 'friendly' to thugs who 'withdraw' other people's money." Kelly wants banks to improve their security, a reprise of his request back in 2003 during another bank robbery boom time. The News also runs down the top three targeted banks: Wachovia, Commerce and Sovereign.
Tagged
bank robberies
banks
nypd
police commissioner ray kelly
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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