Bank robberies have increased so much in New York City that in 2003, there was one bank robbery for ever three banks. Since New York City is "gun free", most banks are robbed by strong-armed thugs wielding only their fists or perhaps a pencil. But as USA Today reports, cops are blaming the banks for creating a lax environment.

In May, police and the city bankers' association adopted a 15-point list of security practices. They include bandit barriers, personnel to greet each customer, better-maintained video cameras and dye packs, which are slipped into bags of cash and later explode, marking the money as stolen.

Of course none of those expensive security measures would be necessary if New York hadn't outlawed guns and self defense. Here in the South where pistol packers are free to roam, bank robbers are forced to target gun-free self-defense free killing zones like Wachovia or BB&T.

It has long been known what criminals fear most. It's not 'bandit barriers', video cameras, or third rate Wal-Mart greeters, but guns. Criminals will be the first to tell you, an armed victim is feared more than both the police and 'three strikes' laws. Unfortunately for New Yorkers, those words fall on deaf bureaucratic ears.

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Area bank robber enjoying Wachovia 'No Guns' policy -- 01/26/2004