Pantagraph.com | News | Downtown Commerce Bank robbed, suspect caught

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Common Sense wrote on Jul 14, 2007 5:14 PM:

" Come on, you all. Quit your complaining and come up with legitimate ways to prevent this and capture the animals involved. Again, see the idea of "bank security" below and get involved to get the job done. Your moaning and groaning and complaining needs to be put to action. Come up with legitimate ideas; hey, why not take your idea and sell it to the banks and reap rewards for yourself and the community. "

federally insured- but there's a catch wrote on Jul 14, 2007 3:27 PM:

" Yes, our money is federally insured but this insurance is NOT FREE. Every time a bank is robbed, and the perpetrators get away with it, the cost of living goes up for all of us , if only a little bit. And it should also be pointed out that every successful heist only encourages more robberies. Sooner or later there will be violence, and people will be injured or killed. We all need to push for better security in banks. "

Lack of police wrote on Jul 14, 2007 2:53 PM:

" WILL only get worse because the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal would rather approve budgets for other things than adding police to properly protect our towns. BTW I worked at that bank a long time ago and security was lax then and it wouldn't surprise me if it still was. Security does need to be better and the banks really need to look at that. Good job to the tellers for remaining calm. I am sorry to you had to experience that. "

We're hamstringing ourselves wrote on Jul 14, 2007 10:47 AM:

" The lack of a "visible police presence" will only become MORE painful and aggravating (as well as more dangerous) as long as we have the debts of the Arena hanging around our necks like an albatross. "

Townee wrote on Jul 14, 2007 10:12 AM:

" I've lived here all my life (59 years) and we NEVER used to have bank robberies. If we had 2 or 3 per year, that was amazing. Now it seems like everytime we turn around, a bank is getting robbed in this town. I wonder why that is? The migration of people from Chicago - that's what happened. "

BANKS wrote on Jul 14, 2007 9:15 AM:

" I too put part of the blame on the banks...they need to beef up security cams and teller security protocol. You would be surprised at how many banks in this town have subgrade security cams. On a side note. There are many tellers as well as bank AND credit union management in this town that have very very very very laxed attitudes or are VERY NAIVE when it comes to identity and check cashing, acct. approvals etc. "

To:To:Bankemployee:To:Mother of Two wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:01 AM:

" I'm sure the banks would prefer that you bank online, also. Then, they don't have to deal with someone that has absolutely no concern for the people who are serving them or the other customers. I would point out that at least in most of the robberies that have occured, no one has gotten hurt. That is because the bank employees are following their training and getting the robber out of the bank as soon as possible. The banks are federally insured against robberies. Your money can be robbed from an online bank as well and the robber(computer hacker robber)would not even have to leave his/her home. "

al wrote on Jul 14, 2007 6:11 AM:

" Maybe the would be bank robbers would have to think twice about being spotted, if the "newspaper" wasnt so against printing the descriptions of these thieves. just a thought. "

Is this really a surprise? wrote on Jul 14, 2007 5:49 AM:

" The problem is simple. Criminals and their friends view Bloomington-Normal as an easy target. Just look at the “Say No to Racism” sign, the lack of a STRONG visible police presence and the ALL the “Welfare Programs” that the community sponsors – ranging from “Soup Kitchens”, Low Income Housing and the “Lip Service” that community leaders give to helping those “Who are in need”. Have you ever seen the RICH suburbs of Chicago experiencing these crimes? NO . . . and why? Simply put, the word is out on the street that if you set foot on those suburbs thinking that you are going to get a “hand out” or “hand up”, think again and keep on moving . . . straight on down to Bloomington/Normal where we welcome you with “Open Arms”. So, instead of shackling our Police Departments with “Customer Service” mentality and “Community Policing” initiatives, let us support them by letting them do their job. "

keep robbing banks wrote on Jul 14, 2007 2:24 AM:

" Well as far as I am concerned the more bank robbers we have the longer they go away to prison. They get busted for drugs they take a plea or act as a infomant and make a couple buys and they get a slap on the wrist and are back on the street. At least bank robbers are having to face federal charges and the federal courts don't give them just a slap on the wrist. I know that sounds bad but do a little research and you will see that the people holding up the banks are not first time offenders. They have long list of arrest for crimes and they get a slap on the wrist and sent back in to society. Put them away and forget about them they don't want to work or live by societys rules then lock them up. "

To Bank Security wrote on Jul 13, 2007 9:02 PM:

" Look at where we live? No one here would think of anything like that! They have been too college educated! What a joke! "

Commerce wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:56 PM:

" What's scary is that not only are commerce banks being robbed, there is on in particular that is putting checks through more than once! "

to Where are the wrote on Jul 13, 2007 8:03 PM:

" A bank in Chicago was recently robbed. That bank had an armed guard. The robber shot the guard. If anything, the presence of the guard may have made things worse. The robber will always have the advantage because he has the element of surprise. "

TO POLICE OFFICERS wrote on Jul 13, 2007 7:58 PM:

" Unfortunately, I'm sure you don't hear it very often but I really appreciate the hard work you do dealing with criminals and "bad" people all the time. Most of us just have a hard time dealing with "one" irritating person at work. Where you guys see the "ugly" things all the time. For me, I would imagine I'd start wondering if there were anymore good people out there. Sincerely, Female 35 "

TO: Policeman wrote on Jul 13, 2007 7:21 PM:

" Seems to me our "out of shape" police officers in Bloomington have been doing just fine catching these criminals. Also, they do run in many instances and still get caught despite what you view as out f shape. When is the last time you have actually seen a Bloomington Police Officer at a Donut shop. Policework is not all about being fit, though agreeably it helps, there is more than meets the eye. Teamwork, outhinking the criminal, dilligence, dedication etc. The last four or five serious events occurring in Bloomington, the police have caught the offenders very soon after the incident, and some suspects were running. Keep up the great work, you all are doing a great job and people who do not know what they are talking about should just enjoy the safety you offer by merely being there when needed. "

Common Sense wrote on Jul 13, 2007 6:23 PM:

" The fellow named "Bank Security" below has the right answers and for once the French may have one up on us. I cannot understand why this is not used here in B/N Banks or any banks in this country. It is so simple and a great way to catch the crooks. No, we would rather play their game and let them run; catch them with a trap, like we do with other nusiance animals. "

To: Another Thought wrote on Jul 13, 2007 6:16 PM:

" well said! "

Li'l Johnny TO: Wouldn't it be nice wrote on Jul 13, 2007 5:59 PM:

" What part of this do you not understand? If you rob a bank you are committing a crime. If you shoot someone you are committing a crime. Ipso facto you are then a CRIMINAL! If you exceed the speed limit you have committed a crime! If you roll thru a stop sign you have committed a crime! Ipso facto you are a CRIMINAL! Yes there are degrees of law breaking. But the point is that if you break the law, you are a criminal by definition! "

Nice job wrote on Jul 13, 2007 5:52 PM:

" BPD "

To: Policeman wrote on Jul 13, 2007 5:47 PM:

" Be nice to Mike...he's served your community for almost 30 years and will be retiring in a couple months. "

To Policeman: wrote on Jul 13, 2007 5:25 PM:

" They caught the person though didn't they!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Duh... wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:55 PM:

" I feel very smart all of the sudden. Thanks to all that posted comments. I guess I should thank myself as well. "

to: bank employee:To:Mother of 2 wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Remind me not to bank with you. It's all virtual banks for me as well. At least they can protect those. It's attitudes like yours that encourage these guys. Heck, you're practically begging to get robbed. It almost shouldn't even be a crime. Go Bloomington PD, glad you got this jerk. Too bad he didn't resist. "

Pixie wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:34 PM:

" This is getting a little rediculous. What is up with the massive amount of bank robberies in this town all of a sudden? "

To: "To: Wouldn't It Be Nice?" wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:28 PM:

" As I said before, it is still about you speeding and getting caught and the police not being "vigilant" about "real crimes". I come from a family full of police officers, you don't have a clue about "real crime". Maybe if you could be in charge of the police department you could deploy the resources where you see fit. Good luck with that. Hats off to the police department great job today!!!!!!!! "

Policeman wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:21 PM:

" Lord have Mercy. If that policeofficer had to actually chase a robber we would all be in trouble. They could walk and more than one of our Bloomington Finest couldn't catch them What happened to the fitness of those that protect us...are they in the donut shop. I'm sure they know they can get away from them easily "

to: i'm never going wrote on Jul 13, 2007 4:06 PM:

" haven't you ever heard of a credit union being robbed? It does happen you know. "

Where are the wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:58 PM:

" armed guards? Do they exist any more in banks? I'm all for arming citizens. Don't you think the robber would have second thoughts if he knew he might get a gun back in his face? Think about it. "

Another thought... wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:56 PM:

" Just a thought to keep in mind. The underlying issue/cause for the vast majority of these robberies is drugs. Either someone needs money to feed their addiction, or they have a drug debt and don't feel like getting beat up and/or shot. For those people who constantly complain about all the time and effort spent on drug enforcement "when they should be out catching robbers and murderers", well, here's another prime example of why the police enforce the drug laws. It's a vicious cycle, but it's the reality of the matter. Let's face it, I doubt this guy robbed the bank because he's late with his child support payments. "

to someone please answer wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:47 PM:

" Ballistic glass enclosures are not the ultimate solution. Let's say the teller is behind the glass. In such cases, robbers need only grab a customer and tell the bank employees they'll shoot the customer if the cash isn't handed over. That exact scenario has occurred in the banking industry. "

Way to Go wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:46 PM:

" To : "Wouldn't It Be Nice?" When was the last time anybody got a ticket for going 5mph over the limit? Give me a break. Let's appreciate the fact that BPD and NPD have dedicated officers that want to enforce the laws in the State of ILLinois whether it is for Armed Robbery or Speeding. Good going BPD! "

You don't tell wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:44 PM:

" A bank robber no because when you go to banking seminars they train you to get the robbers out as fast as you can. Financial Instituions TRAIN you to comply with whatever the robber says, just like I said get them out as fast as you can and give them whatever they want is what they teach.-Former Bank Employee "

To Someone Please Answer wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:41 PM:

" The tellers are not the only bank employees. There are several bank employees that work in front of the teller line. You would have to surround the bank with the glass and not let anyone inside to protect everyone from the robber. The people inside the bank are much more important than the money. And To William: The quickest way for someone to get hurt or killed during a bank robbery is to not comply with the robbers demands, especially if he/she is armed. Or for a hostage situation to develop. It is better to give them what they want, let them leave the bank and then let the police handle the situation. They are equipped and trained to handle dangerous criminals. Bank employees and customers are not. "

bank employee:To:Mother of 2 wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:31 PM:

" I work at a bank and when a bank is getting robbed, you are required to give the robber what they want so that you or anyone else doesn't get injured. Money isn't worth anyone's life. Mother of 2, not everyone gets away w/ robbing a bank, actually not very many people do so if you want to rob a bank, I guess you could, but when they catch you, don't expect to see your 2 kids again. That's why you work hard and don't rob a bank. "

To: "To: Wouldn't It Be Nice?" wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:23 PM:

" I was in no way suggesting that the police stake out banks and you know it. We live in a community that has witnessed an increase in drug-related activity, violent crime (ie, the string of shootings that occurred in recent years), and bank robberies within the last several years. My suggestion is simple: let's start using some more resources to combat incidents of real crime, as opposed to sticking undercover cops on speeders. The police do not have a crystal ball, but when the majority of people who rob banks in this community escape, you'd think they'd be a little more vigilant, don't you? Congrats to the police on their successful apprehension, I hope this signifies a new trend. "

Wow wrote on Jul 13, 2007 3:06 PM:

" There seems to be a large amount of bank robberies in this area for what the population is. Guess I always thought these big time crimes happened in large cities. Are we up in the top ten in bank robberies per capita like we are restaurants? Seriously does anyone know? "

To William wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:55 PM:

" Try being a bank teller and telling someone no that is demanding money! It's not as easy as you think! I was a bank teller for 6 years, and it is a very risky job, and yes I have been robbed before! It's not a fun thing to go through, it's very traumatizing! "

someone please answer wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:54 PM:

" I have a serious question. does anyone know why they couldnt put the bulletproof glass up like some banks? wouldnt this take care of the problem? with the glass between the tellers and customers? maybe im wrong, but it seems like it would be worth it. "

leeroy wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:54 PM:

" welcome to myJUNGLE "

try wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:48 PM:

" working at a bank before you supply ignorant suggestions and comments. Half of you don't have a clue what you are talking about! "

Former bank employee wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:46 PM:

" My prayers go out to the employees involved. I was at the "wrong end" of a bank robber's gun once, and still have lingering issues with it. Congratulations on handling this correctly, giving up the cash, and not trying to be a potentially-dead hero. To the Bloomingon Police - nice job; Thanks for catching these guys! "

To:Wouldn't It Be Nice? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:42 PM:

" Well, it is all about you isn't it? The speed limit is the LIMIT. 5 over or 1 over is speeding. As far as the robbery, THEY CAUGHT HIM within 20 minutes. So if we deploy all our cops and their resources on steaking out banks "in case they are robbed" I can almost bet you and the likes of you would be the first to be screaming when you need a cop. You can concider your ticket a donation to the police department to purchase those crystal balls they need to look into the furture and to read criminal's minds......to the tellers at the bank, my thoughts and prayers are with you, this was a scary day. Glad no one was hurt. "

bank security wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:28 PM:

" banks in France have lovely double locking doors, when you enter the 1st, the 2nd doesn't open until the 1st is closed, & then the reverse upon leaving. So, when a robber would try to leave, he actually would be locked between 2 sets of bulletproof glass. These doors have controls that the tellers can lock them down if need be. Also, when the armored trucks arrive at the banks, the streets are closed completely with officers marking the perimeter. They do not deal with robberies like this! "

Re: To: I'm never going wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:23 PM:

" Really, I'm not, I use a credit union. "

Wouldn't It Be Nice? wrote on Jul 13, 2007 2:00 PM:

" Wouldn't it be nice if both the Bloomington and Normal Police Depts. put their undercover vehicles and officers to use catching bank robbers, as opposed to speeders. Let's see... I'm ticketed whenever I go five miles over the limit, but a man robs a bank and escapes on a bicycle. Well done twin cities, well done. "

To:Suggestion wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:50 PM:

" Would you rather have a robber running around WITH a gun in your neighborhood? Find something else to complain about! Remember- THIS IS NEWS- you would probably complain if they hadn't reported it! "

To Suggestion wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:48 PM:

" I guess they already have one. Crime happened 12:24pm. They reported within few minutes! "

Mother of 2 wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:43 PM:

" Sometimes I wonder why I even work! I could just rob a bank now and then set. "

william wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:42 PM:

" Whats so brazen about it? All you have to do is walk in a bank without even displaying a weapon and say "give me money" and they comply. Maybe if someone would "just say no" it would not happen. I know its a risk, but its just too easy. "

To the crooks wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:23 PM:

" This is really starting to get rediculous. What is this world coming to? Hell is going to be over crowded, that is all I know. If any robbers or would-be robbers are reading this...just remember, if you do stupid stuff like this, you might have money to live a nice life on Earth, but is 50 years on Earth being a crook worth an eternity in Hell? Go to church or something. I am not even a super religious person, I just know that what goes around, comes around. You will get caught eventually or better yet killed! "

lulz wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Yes, because it's the banks fault they got robbed, and it's not like the bank has insurance to cover their losses and your bank account if the money isn't returned. /sarcasm "

Virtual Banking... wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:20 PM:

" Another good reason to switch to a Virtual Bank..... "

Joe wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:20 PM:

" 2nd robbery on Commerence Bank within 15 days! Is the B-N Banks under equiped to handle robbers or is it one the banks way to say "Bank Online"! "

WOW wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:16 PM:

" Hey i go to that bank all the time. i work right by it. that is crazy. there are way to many bank robberies in this town. "

Once again... wrote on Jul 13, 2007 1:00 PM:

" until these banks "harden" themselves and quit being an easy target, this stuff will happen. Put the 3" glass up like the gas stations do. Then again when the money is federally insured, I guess the banks don't really care and don't want to spend the money for the added security. "

To: I'm never going wrote on Jul 13, 2007 12:54 PM:

" Oh, WHATEVER!!!! "

lucky wrote on Jul 13, 2007 12:50 PM:

" B/N............Bank robbery capital of the US! That's got to be in "WIKIPEDIA". "

I'm never going wrote on Jul 13, 2007 12:41 PM:

" to a bank in this town again! "

Suggestion wrote on Jul 13, 2007 12:39 PM:

" The Pantagraph should just keep a headline like this Bank robbery reported at _________________. It would save time. "

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