This is not a new idea. The Atlanta joUrinal Constipation notes that area South Trust banks are asking robbers (and customers alike) to please remove their sunglasses and hats, so that the camera can get a good photo of them. We first reported this type of outrageous request back in July of 2002, when the Ames (Iowa) Police Department made a similar request for all banks in Ames.

At the time, I noted that banks should also require robbers to check their sawed off shotguns at the door while they're at it. In fact, why not just post a sign saying "No Armed Robbery Allowed." It would be just as effective.

Well, apparently I was wrong. Similar rules have actually been cutting down on robberies in Massachusetts. But if crooks read the AJC, they may just figure out the loophole needed to bypass the new regulations.

SouthTrust branch managers do have some leeway in enforcement.

Customers wearing certain types of cultural or religious dress -- a Catholic nun, an Orthodox Jew, a Sikh in a turban or a burqa-clad Muslim woman, for example -- won't necessarily be asked to remove their head coverings.

Now that the cat's out of the bag, how long before crooks figure this out? Once one or two of these banks is knocked off by a clever thief in disguise, I'm sure the "No Jews, Catholics, or Muslims allowed" signs will start cropping up.

Related articles:
Banks ask robbers to smile for camera - 09/30/2002
Great Moments in Law Enforcement - 07/23/2002