Foolproof Security: How Banks Prevent Robberies in 2023

Foolproof Security: How Banks Prevent Robberies in 2023

Bank robberies used to be a lot more common, with over 5,000 robberies per year in the 1990s. But thanks to improved security measures, robberies have become much rarer today. In 2019 there were only 1,724 bank robberies nationwide. Banks have implemented foolproof security systems making robberies nearly impossible.

Here’s an overview of the state-of-the-art techniques banks use to prevent robberies in 2023:

Advanced Alarm Systems

Banks have incredibly sensitive alarm systems these days. Motion sensors, vibration detectors, and laser tripwires are hidden everywhere. If a robber so much as touches a door or window, the alarm instantly alerts police. Banks also have silent alarms that tellers can trigger. And dye packs secretly stain stolen money.

Bulletproof Glass

The teller windows have bulletproof glass, often over 1 inch thick, that can stop even high powered rifle rounds. Attempting to shoot through the glass would be useless. The glass also prevents anyone from attempting to climb through the window into the teller area.

Heavy Security Doors

The doors leading to the back offices and vaults are armored and weigh over 500 pounds. They are impossible to break through and can withstand hours of attack. Banks keep the doors locked at all times too.

Time-Delay Locks

If robbers force bank employees to open the vault, they’ll be in for a surprise. Vaults have time-delay locks that take over 10 minutes to open, even with the proper codes or keys. This gives police plenty of time to arrive on scene.

GPS Trackers

Banks hide GPS tracking devices in bundles of money and bait bags. If a robber takes the bait, the bank can remotely disable the GPS tracker to prevent removal. Police can then track the robber right to their hideout.

Dye Packs

Dye packs are hidden in stacks of money. If they pass through the exit doors, they detonate and explode red dye over the stolen money. The dye is near impossible to remove, making the money useless.

Bait Money

Banks keep bait money, also called “bait bills,” handy to give to robbers. The serial numbers on bait bills are recorded so that police can identify the stolen cash. This helps catch the robber when the money is inevitably spent.

Security Guards

Many banks have an armed security guard stationed by the door. Some even have former police officers as guards. Attempting to get past them and their defensive weapons would be extremely dangerous.

Biometric Vault Access

Bank employees can’t open vaults by themselves anymore. Vaults require two or more employees, each with unique biometric handprints, to open. This prevents a lone robber from forcing the vault open.

No Police Scanners

Banks prohibit police scanners inside to prevent robbers from monitoring police movements. And teller drawers have only small amounts of accessible cash. Big bills are kept locked up.

Restricted Access

There’s no free access inside banks anymore. Doors are locked and customers need to be buzzed in and out individually. This prevents large groups from storming the lobby.

No Demands

Bank policy is to never give in to robber demands. Even if hostages are taken, the bank will not hand over cash or assistance escaping. This deters robbers from attempting hostage situations.

Cameras Everywhere

Banks have 360 degree camera coverage, inside and out. Robbers are caught on film from all angles. Cameras record in HD quality to provide clear identifiable footage. Many cameras are discreetly hidden too.

No Cash in Tellers

Tellers have only small amounts of cash in their drawers, typically under $10,000. Larger sums are locked in safes that tellers can’t access. This makes robbing tellers fruitless.

Protective Screens

Bullet-resistant bandit barriers provide an extra layer of protection for tellers. These barriers make it impossible for robbers to reach across and grab tellers or their drawer cash.

No Visible Cash

Banks minimize cash visibility to customers. You won’t see stacks of bills out in the open. This reduces temptation and makes determining how much cash is present impossible.

Bait Stacks

Banks place stacks of one dollar bills wrapped in hundred dollar wrappers out on tables. If a robber grabs these, they’ll realize too late that they’re mostly worthless single bills.

Employee Training

Employees are trained how to respond during a robbery to minimize risk and comply with demands. They give robbers access to as little cash as possible. Training reduces errors that could further endanger employees.

Limited Cash Access

Employees cannot access or open cash storage devices alone. Opening vaults, safes, and cash drawers requires multiple employees utilizing different keys or codes. This prevents robbers from forcing a single employee to retrieve cash.

Emergency Protocols

Banks have emergency action protocols for various robbery scenarios. Employees are trained to comply with robber demands in the safest manner. This minimizes the risk of violence while also minimizing stolen cash.

Unmarked Bills

Banks use unmarked bills without serial numbers or dye packs for transactions. A robber may steal these bills, but they will be impossible to trace back to the crime. The lack of serial numbers makes the cash less useful for catching criminals.

Protective Counters

Tellers work behind counters constructed of bullet-resistant materials. These counters shield tellers from gunfire and make it harder for robbers to attack or grab them. Attempting to vault the counters would be extremely difficult as well.

Barriers and Bollards

Concrete barriers and bollards surround banks to prevent vehicles from driving straight through the walls or windows. The barriers also keep idling getaway vehicles further away.

Secure Locks

Banks use high security Medeco locks that are pick and drill resistant. These locks can’t be forcibly bypassed. Only those with authorized keys can open doors. All unused locks are also sealed with tamper-evident tape.

Safes and Lockboxes

Each teller has a secured lockbox for larger bills, which robbers can’t access. Larger amounts of cash are kept locked in vaults with time-delay openings. This limits accessible cash during a robbery.

Height Restrictors

Entryways have barriers hanging low from the ceiling that force people to duck underneath. This slows down robbers rushing in and gives security guards time to react. The barriers also prevent easy use of weapons when entering.

No Lobby Standoffs

Banks avoid lobby standoffs by keeping robbers contained in the lobby area. Employees comply with demands but do not grant access to back areas. The lobby design limits options so robbers flee quickly.

Protective Vests

Security guards wear bullet-resistant vests that protect their torso from gunfire. Attempting to shoot a guard would be extremely risky for a robber and less likely to cause serious injury.