Tellers thwart robbery

Ohio has one of the highest rates of bank robbery in the nation. Certain banks disarm customers by hanging discriminatory signs banning concealed carry. The signs, which are often obtained from the Ohio Bankers League, have done nothing to deter robbers.

June 26, 2004
Columbus Dispatch

A would-be bank robber walked away empty-handed this week after two tellers simply ignored him.

A man walked into the National City Bank, 2700 Cleveland Ave., about 1:15 p.m. Thursday and handed the first teller a note demanding money.

The teller simply walked away, so the man took his note to a second teller.

The woman told him "No" and walked away.

None the richer, the robber, who did not show a weapon, left the bank muttering to himself, Columbus police said.

The man was captured on a surveillance camera walking out of the bank, said Harry Trombitas, an FBI agent working with Columbus police on the case.

Information concerning central Ohio bank robberies, including the picture of Thursday’s unsuccessful robber, can be viewed at: www.publiceyes.org.