BB&T bank's "gun-free zone" fails again

[OakRidgeStars]

It would seem that the "No guns allowed" signs at BB&T bank failed to stop another criminal from robbing them at, you guessed it, gun point. Maybe they need bigger signs.

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http://hamptonroads.com/2010/02/chesape ... eries-bank

[allingeneral]

Maybe we should capitalize on this opportunity and send some emails to BB&T Corporate or even some written correspondence via snail mail.

Here's their contact form:

https://www.bbt.com/bbt/apps/contact/corporate.asp

And their address and phone number:

BB&T
200 West Second Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27102
336-733-2000

********************************************************

Dear BB&T Corporate,

I read in the news today how your "No Guns" policy has once again backfired since criminals do not follow the rules. As I'm sure you're aware, the BB&T branch on Volvo Parkway in Chesapeake, VA has been robbed multiple times over the last several months. A firearm was used in at least one of these robberies.

Since criminals will not follow the rules, the only people that you are affecting with your "No Firearms" policy are Law Abiding Citizens such as myself. I carry a firearm everywhere I go, and I have a BB&T account, but I prefer to conduct my personal banking business elsewhere since my firearm is not welcome on your property.

Please consider changing your "No Guns" policy since it does absolutely no good (as evidenced by the robberies) and since it will help you to retain the business of me and those like me who carry a firearm legally.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,
Rick
540-xxx-xxxx

[moss20]

E-mail sent

[MountainCat]

Police say the Chesapeake sheriff's sergeant who robbed a BB&T branch Tuesday afternoon robbed the same bank twice before. He was fired this morning.

I wonder if LEOs are exempt from the gun ban.

[OakRidgeStars]

Police say the Chesapeake sheriff's sergeant who robbed a BB&T branch Tuesday afternoon robbed the same bank twice before. He was fired this morning.

I wonder if LEOs are exempt from the gun ban.

Yes they are, but they're not exempt from the armed robbery laws.

[Vahunter]

A correctional officer robbed our BB&T once. He was wearing his uniform complete with name tag.

[JacobDW]

I got PNC bank... I carry EVERYTIME I go to the bank... no signs no questions no problems no robberies. and their customer service is THE BEST!

[IANAL]

BB&T was quick to respond. Here it is:

############################################################
Dear Mr. Sandlin:

Thank you for contacting BB&T E-Mail Support regarding your concerns.

BB&T adopted a corporate policy several years ago prohibiting firearms on bank premises. The only exception to the policy is contracted security personnel and law enforcement officers who are appropriately authorized to have such weapons in their possession.

The bank values the safety of its employees and each client who comes into a BB&T facility. Unauthorized persons carrying firearms concealed or otherwise, may add to the anxiety of bank customers and employees. Therefore, the pictorial decal on the front door at every BB&T office is a reminder that firearms are not allowed.

If we can provide additional assistance, please e-mail us again.

Thank you for visiting BBT.com. We appreciate your business!

BB&T E-Mail Support
############################################################

[OakRidgeStars]

BB&T was quick to respond. Here it is:

The only exception to the policy is contracted security personnel and law enforcement officers who are appropriately authorized to have such weapons in their possession.

Maybe BB&T should reconsider this policy if law enforcement officers are going to be robbing their banks, as was the case in Chesapeake.

[allingeneral]

Ah, good point - I wish had had read that before I sent them this response:

##########################################
If you valued the safety of your customers, then you would allow your customers to properly protect themselves in accordance with state and local laws instead of forcing your own corporate policy against firearms upon your law-abiding customers.

As I stated previously, your "Gun-Free Zone" only functions to create a "Safe Haven" for criminals who will refuse to follow your regulation anyway. Criminals know that when they see a "No Guns" sign on a business that they have free reign and that there will be no consequences for their actions. You are endangering law-abiding citizens by disarming them on your property.

Regards,
Rick
##########################################

[allingeneral]

Alright - so that one was worth another reply to their email...

####################################

By the way - I don’t know if you are aware or not, but the last string of robberies that I mentioned in my original email were all perpetrated by a "law enforcement officer who was appropriately authorized to have such weapons in his possession".

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/02/chesape ... eries-bank

Regards,
Rick

[GS78]

Maybe the response should have been, Dear Sir,

While we at ________Bank appreciate making money off of your money, we are smarter than most if not all of you, and as such we will incorporate rules that although may put you at risk, we feel are in the best interest of our employees and clients(also interpreted; in the event of a firearm discharge by someone other than a criminal or LEO, we might be sued for damages...)so we will keep our longstanding policy of covering our ass, you cover yours, thank you for continuing to allow us to profit off of your hardwork,

sincerely,
Milburn Drysdale 3rd.........

[cabrera]

BB&T was quick to respond. Here it is:

... The only exception to the policy is contracted security personnel and law enforcement officers who are appropriately authorized to have such weapons in their possession.
########################

Gee, & here I thought that having a CHP & having been through numerous background checks to get it, made me "appropriately authorized to have such weapons in their possession".
Stupid me...Go figure!