Withdrawal sets off inquiry

Press, 3 June 1989, Page 1

Withdrawal sets off inquiry

By

BARRY CLARKE

A customer making a routine withdrawal from the Phillipstown Postßank unexpectedly became the focus of a robbery investigation yesterday. Postßank staff believed he had written a threatening note on the back of a withdrawal form, demanding money.

The chain of events started soon after 5 p.m. on Thursday when the man — the last cus-

tomer of the day — made what he thought was a standard $163 withdrawal from his account.

While checking the signature with her back to him, the teller, aged 40, saw the words: “Hand me all your cash. Do it quickly. Don’t turn around.” The teller did turn around, found the man expressionless and calm and not carrying a gun or other weapon.

She took $163 from the money tray and handed it to him with the passbook. He did not say anything and left.

The incident was reported to the police yesterday morning, after the teller had told PostBank management.

Detectives traced the man through the account number. After a short discussion they declared him innocent.

The regional manager of Postßank, Mr Dave Smith, said the incident was reported to the police just in case there was foul play.

“Being Phillipstown, we thought we had better make sure nothing was happening,” he said.

Last August, a man wielding a hammer robbed the branch of $20,000.