Holiday Season Increases Bank Robbery Alert to Maximum
As December approaches and the holiday shopping season gets into full swing, a concern by police is the increase in bank robberies that are expected before Christmas.

During this time of year, both private and state banks, as well as customers handle a larger amount of cash than normal, of course this catches the attention of thieves and would be thieves, opportunities who take advantage of the holiday time distractions.

The Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (MSP), the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) and the Seguridad Bancaria (private banking security) have already put into place strict security measures for the security of both customers and bank employees.

Both police and the private banking security force - a body that was created several years ago when bank robberies where a common occurrence as police could not effectively respond to the calls and thieves took advantage of the weak police presence - have joined forces this year to curb potential attacks.

Erick Lacayo, planning and operations chief at the MSP, said "the objective is to guarantee tranquility to all citizens who use the banking system in both private and state institutions and to prevent any regrettable events."

The downtown San José districts of La Merced, Catedral, Hospital and El Carmen, as well as Zapote, La Uruca, Escazú, Montes de Oca (San Pedro), Tibás, Alajuela, Coronoad and Desamparados will be given major priority.

The rest of the areas will have increased bank security, with additional patrols by the Fuerza Pública (police) and an increased presence by private security.

Lacayo added that the country will be on a "maximum" alert against bank hold ups until the first week in January of 2006. "The plan is designed to assure the maximum police and security presence during peak hours, hours where the most number of clients will be at the bank, and in areas with higher incident rates. Officials of the Fuerza Pública, Judicial agents and private security members will be watching over the security of citizens, both inside and outside the banks", said Lacayo.

The police chief said that modern surveillance and communications equipment will be used to ensure the success of their plan, however, would not expand on the details. Tactical police teams and helicopters from the Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea will be available and ready to mobilize in all areas of the country.

Frequent fly over of the San José area will be common during the holiday season as part of a preventive measure, along with undercover agents will mingle among customers inside the banks.

Lacayo offers several tips to avoid being a victim of robbery:

- Don't strike up a conversation with strangers while inside the bank

- Avoid being conspicuous when counting your money

- When withdrawing large amounts of money, bring along a trusted friend

- Don't be swayed by easy money making schemes

- Don't let too many people known your intentions to withdraw money from the bank

- Don't be easily distracted

- Avoid routine visits to the bank

- Keeps bags, briefcases and belongings close by

- Don't walk around or visit "bad" areas with large amounts of cash