With all the high tech ways of separating us from our money, bank robberies are still a popular method for thieves to grab some fast cash. According to the FBI’s bank crime statistics for 2016 (the last available year), 4,251 robberies occurred nationwide at banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. Bank robberies leave customers and employees vulnerable to often-violent attacks.

Out of the 4,251 robberies in 2016, security cameras were working in 4,057 of the robberies and 3,669 alarm systems were functioning. These security measures obviously failed to act as a deterrent.

Here are some security tips suggested by the American Bankers Association.

Guard Visibility. Noted in the FBI’s statistics, only 177 of the banks that were robbed had guards on duty. Although difficult to tell, visible guards may have caused robbers to think twice before entering the bank and, according to the American Bankers Association, “The presence of unarmed guards will more likely lead to a de-escalation of violence. Positioning internal guards is key. Placing them near the primary door, or lobby area so a potential robber must see and pass them can ensure their visibility.”

Greet Each Customer. Robbers don’t want to be noticed. To make sure they are, staff should be trained to say “hello” to all those who walk through the door—making eye contact and watching customer movements.

One Entrance. Banks should have only one entrance—so it’s easier to track who comes in and out.

Video Monitors. Add a monitor that displays the customers standing in line—a reminder to would-be robbers that the bank has their clear image.  

Bullet-Resistant Enclosures. According to the FBI report, of the banks robbed in 2016, 610 had bullet-resistant glass between tellers and customers. Although these enclosures didn’t stop hundreds of bank robberies, the barriers may have acted as a deterrent for many more.