MOVE OVER WALMART HERE COMES THE BANK GREETERS!

Over the last week we've heard how 9 people in Houston have been indicted and arrested for a string of  bank robberies.

The group worked together over a four year period robbing financial institutions from Sugar Land to Houston.

But the question I've always had is why have banks moved away from in house security.

Asst. Chief George Buenik HPD

That question was answered for me last week at FBI Headquarters in Houston by Houston Police Department Assistant Chief G.T. Buenik.

He says it's a personal choice for a lot of banks and many choose another option you likely haven't heard of until now.

That option is reminiscent of what you see everyday at Walmart.

A lot of banks in Houston and around the country have now turned to greeters at their front door.

Why greeters and how can they stop a bank robbery?

Asst. Chief Buenik says the greeters are a form of peaceful intimidation.

He says if a person who has plans to rob a bank is met at the door by someone who looks them right in the eyes, say hello, and shakes their hand - the suspect may likely feel intimidated.

You now have someone who can positively identify the bad guy because the greeter just looked him or her  in the eye and said hello.

When you think about it - it appears to be a smart idea!