Bank updates security in wake of robbery
Projecting both a welcoming and secure atmosphere at a bank is a delicate balance, but Washington Financial officials are working to fulfill both needs.
Following the recent armed robbery of the Tylerdale branch at 98 E. Wylie Ave., Washington, security enhancements are already underway at the institution, with guards on the premises during business hours. By the end of next week, a new entrance will ensure employees can identify every person who comes in.
On Feb. 29, a man with his face covered, wearing head-to-toe black and carrying a long-barrel, collapsible gun, demanded money from three tellers before fleeing.
According to Washington police Chief Robert Wilson, no arrests have been made and the case is still under investigation.
The bank, formerly known as Washington Federal Savings, has been a target of multiple robberies. Between September 2006 and May 2007, it was robbed three times. It was again robbed May 19, 2015, by John Davis Manning, who later admitted to the crime.
Michael L. Chaido, Washington Financial senior vice president and chief operations officer, said officials have not considered closing the branch.
“We want to be able to service our customers,” Chaido said.
With the new safety measures in place, bank employees will have more control over who enters. Patrons will gain access by swiping their bank card. New customers, or those who don’t have a bank card, will ring a bell. A teller can see the person on a camera and can open the locked vestibule, allowing entry. If a person enters wearing sunglasses or with a hat that obscures their face, the teller can communicate with them before they are permitted to enter.
“This allows tellers to make a judgment call,” he said.
Details are still being finalized, but it is possible anyone without a bank card may first have to show identification before entering. In addition, more cameras with enhanced clarity will be added inside and outside the bank.
Chaido anticipates all work will be complete by March 18. The bank will operate with regular business hours while the new system is installed.
Guards will remain on site until officials are confident in the new technology’s effectiveness.