WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Westerville Police, in conjunction with local credit unions and banks, has enacted a "no hats, hood, sunglasses, or cell phones" policy, part of an effort to deter credit union and bank robberies.
Half of the town’s 22 financial institutions have complied with the policy that is being labeled "highly suggested," with others awaiting approval from their corporate headquarters.
Those participating will display a 5-by-7-inch sticker on entrance doors. It features a police badge with a description of the policy.
Like the voluntary guidelines issued by some trade groups, police hope the policy will deter crime by preventing or making it difficult for criminals to hide their identities. Banning cell phones will also help deter crime, because they can record information later used to plan a robbery, according to police.
