The garments are common to bank robbers, law enforcement officials say.
With all of the high-tech crime-prevention tools in use, the effect of a sign could seem insignificant, but law enforcement and bank officials said the effort has proven effective in other areas.
“It tends to draw attention to someone who is wearing those types of clothing, or it makes the people inside more identifiable to the security cameras,” said Michael Brooks, a special agent with the FBI’s Cincinnati Division. “That’s the last thing a robber wants, is attention.”
Lebanon Citizens National Bank on Marie Drive in Middletown, does not have dress-code signs posted, but Eric Meilstrup, executive vice president, said the bank would be willing to discuss it.
“We always train our tellers to be very aware of their surroundings and anything suspicious,” Meilstrup said.
The Middletown Area Schools Credit Union decided it didn’t need to post signs.
“We know almost everyone that comes in here,” said manager Mary Lawson, adding that most customers use the drive through window to do their banking. Also, Lawson said the bank can automatically lock the doors if they spot someone suspicious and keep him or her outside until they make contact through a phone posted outside the door.
Signs have been posted in branches in and around Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton within the past year. And while some customers have balked at having to alter their wardrobe to do their banking, officials haven’t received many complaints.
“I think it’s had some success,” said Lance West, corporate security director for Liberty Savings Bank, whose Dayton-area branches have posted the signs. “If you have a bad guy who’s determined, there’s not much you can do. But I think some folks have had to think twice.”
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