The latest robbery is the only case that hasn’t resulted in an arrest so far.
Springfield Police Capt. Tom Zawada said the division takes bank robberies seriously. He, however, declined to comment on whether the division is doing anything to deter future crimes from taking place at the bank.
Security National Bank President John Brown said his company is working hard to make sure customers are safe and to deter future crimes.
“In my opinion, one robbery is a high number and, quite frankly, a senseless crime, especially given the very high apprehension rate,” he said. “But fortunately, in all three recent cases, our staff responded perfectly, following the ongoing training that is provided while helping to ensure all associates, customers and community neighbors remained safe.”
He said the local law enforcement have worked hard on solving each case and the bank has cooperated with them.
“We love our customers in the Western Branch community,” Brown said. “They have been loyal to us at that location for over 50 years, and we want them to feel safe and welcome inside our office. Physical security is an important component of that commitment to them. As such, with the input and advice of professionals like the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, we routinely evaluate trends and new developments in bank security and make adjustments based on what we learn.
He said the bank is planning additional security measures, but declined to share details as to not jeopardize their effectiveness.
The first time the bank was robbed was Jan. 22 when a man handed a teller a note demanding money, according to police. James Givens was later identified to be that suspect and was arrested and charged with the robbery.
He pleaded guilty in June and was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison.
The second bank robbery at the location this year was in June when authorities said Jeffrey Holbert, 59, handed a teller a note demanding money.
“Hurry … give me $180 now or get hurt bad,” the note read, according to an affidavit says. “She counted out $180 in twenty-dollar bills and gave it to Jeffrey Holbert.”
Holbert was arrested just moments after the robbery after buying beer at a nearby drive-thru. He pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Clark County Common Pleas Court. A sentencing date has not been set in the case.
Photos released by the Springfield police of the latest robbery shows a man wearing a bandage that covered his nose. Police said he entered the bank July 18 at around 4:30 p.m., and passed a note to a teller.
He was given an undetermined amount of cash, a spokesperson with the Springfield Police Division said.
Beside the full-cover bandage, he was wearing a white long sleeve shirt with black horizontal stripes and a dark or black toboggan hat, police said.
He did not show a weapon; there were no reports of injuries to the bank staff or customers, police said witnesses told them. He left on foot, but police aren’t sure in what direction or whether he got into a vehicle.
There was no apparent accomplice, said police, who have and are reviewing surveillance camera footage.
Springfield police are continuing to ask for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
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