READING, Pa. — Two credit unions' branches have become targets for thieves.
The main branch of Riverfront FCUhere was robbed May 24, the third time crooks targeted the office in the last 13 months. In Ohio, Buckeye State CU's Canton office was robbed twice in May.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, a bearded 5-foot-7 African-American man, about 200 pounds, walked into the Riverfront office on 430 South Fourth St.and handed a teller a note demanding cash. The man then fled with an undisclosed amount of money and is still at large, police reported.
The previous Riverfront robberies occurred in August and April of 2013. During the second heist the thief stated he had a gun, but no weapon was ever shown, explained Sandra Czulada, VP of marketing for the $190 million CU. She said suspects in the first two robberies have been apprehended.
Czulada told Credit Union Journal that crime in Berks County has been rising.
"A robbery in this area is not atypical and specific to Riverfront," Czulada said. "In February there were three robberies and two attempted robberies in Berks County. It's just the world we live in."
During a heist the credit union is always most concerned about the safety of members and staff, said Czulada. "In each of the three robberies staff followed protocol flawlessly and no one was harmed."
Nonetheless, Czulada said the credit union is stepping up robbery training. "Our training regarding robberies has always been good, but we will add to it. And, we are asking staff if they would like us to add anything to the programs."
Buckeye State CU's Canton office was robbed for the second time May 27. The first robbery occurred May 8. Authorities suspect the same man is responsible for both thefts.
Police stated that the latest heist occurred about 2 p.m., when a heavyset white man — between the ages of 44 and 50, wearing a dark-haired wig and fake beard and glasses — showed employees a handgun while demanding money.
The crook, still at large, left the CU in a black car with an undisclosed amount of cash. Authorities, which are still investigating, say the robber wore the same clothing and disguise in both crimes. No one was injured during the robbery.
The $84 million Buckeye is based in Akron.
