Bank employees trained to handle robberies, identity theft and check fraud
Even though there have been four bank robberies in the last two weeks in Norwich, there are other crimes that might be a bigger threat for your money.
On Tuesday of this week, there were two bank robberies carried out by the same suspect, according to Norwich Police Department. Last week, both Chelsea Groton Bank and Dime Bank were robbed, on different days. While a string of robberies like this is unusual, banks still prepare their employees on how to handle these situations.
At Chelsea Groton Bank, the security department provides security training for robberies, check fraud, identity theft and more to all Chelsea Groton employees, said Lori Dufficy, executive vice president and chief experience and engagement officer.
The Chelsea Groton staff at 444 West Main St. responded properly to the robbery on Aug. 11, and Norwich Police worked well together with the bank staff, Dufficy said.
“It was a bad situation, but at the end of the day, everyone came back to work the next day, which was awesome,” she said.
It’s important that nobody’s been hurt, and the city should trust Norwich Police to do their job, Mayor Peter Nystrom said.
“I have faith in our police department and our chief,” he said.
Liberty Bank was another bank with a branch that got robbed on Tuesday. Bank officials declined to comment on specifics of the robbery, but stated it is also proactive with security measures, said Senior Vice President and Corporate Communications Manager Adam Jeamel.
“The safety and security of Liberty Bank teammates, customers and the communities we serve are always a top priority,” he stated.
Identity theft, check fraud a greater issue than robberies
Bank robberies are uncommon these days, but other forms of theft are more common, and are of greater concern for customers. This includes check fraud and identity theft, which are on the rise, and often target older people. Chelsea Groton Bank offers free online resources to inform people of these issues, Dufficy said.
“People do things that they shouldn’t be doing, so we have to continue to educate the public,” she said.
The FBI, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement are also good sources for information on these kinds of theft, Dufficy said.
Robbing a bank is also less feasible today. For example, the suspect only took $500 from CorePlus on Tuesday, according to Norwich Police. Banks favor digital transactions these days, and only have so much cash on hand, Dufficy said.
“It amazes us that (the suspect) would put themselves at risk, and other people at risk, for not a lot of money,” she said. “Is it worth what you’ve just done for $500?”
Bank responses to robberies
Chelsea Groton limited its three Norwich branches to drive-thru on Tuesday, and to drive-thru service and appointments Wednesday. The bank will take a day-by-day approach to its in-person response until the suspect is caught. The bank has also been communicating with its customers about the service changes, Dufficy said.
“We just want to make sure we’re protecting our customers and our team members,” she said.
Chelsea Groton is continually looking at safety, and asks everyone “to be vigilant,” Dufficy said.
As of Tuesday, Norwich Police were still looking for a suspect in the Liberty Bank and CorePlus Credit Union robberies on Tuesday. They are looking for a white, possibly Hispanic, man seen dressed in a red shirt, denim shorts, socks and sneakers in the photograph posted to the department’s Facebook page. He was last seen on Salem Turnpike near Briar Lane. Norwich Police stated there’s no threat to the public at this time. However, the public should not approach the individual and notify police if and when he is seen.
Anyone who has seen or may know the pictured individual is urged to call Norwich Police at 860-886-5561, ext 6.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Chelsea Groton, Liberty Bank in Norwich discuss robberies, security
