SEQUIM — In the wake of two robberies here in less than a week, the Sequim Police Department is advising restaurateurs and other retailers to use extreme caution when making bank deposits.
An employee of the Sequim McDonald’s restaurant making a deposit at the Bank of America in Sequim last Tuesday night and a Tootsie’s staffer depositing cash at Kitsap Bank on Friday were both robbed, said Sequim Police Officer Maris Turner.
Neither robbery involved weapons nor threats, and no one was hurt, Turner added.
In last Tuesday’s late-night robbery, however, the assailant shoved the victim, making the crime a strong-arm robbery.
In the Friday incident, the victim reported that the robber approached and grabbed the deposit.
As police investigate, “these incidents are being reviewed for similarities,” Turner said, adding that detectives don’t believe they were random.
“Both victims, we believe, were targeted because of specific business practices, which made them vulnerable.”
Turner noted that felony dollar amounts — at least $250 — were stolen both nights.
Also in both robberies, the employees described the suspect as a lone, thin white male wearing dark clothing with his face covered.
The employees reported, in both cases, he approached quickly, took the money bag and left on foot; neither victim saw him get into a vehicle.
Sequim police responded “within minutes,” Turner said, sending patrol officers and Chase, the German shepherd who is Sequim’s K-9 officer.
The Police Department has since distributed a list of tips for business people making bank deposits. The tips include:
• Make deposits with at least two people present.
• Transport deposits during daylight hours.
• Be alert to surroundings, including cars and people.
• If changing to a daytime deposit schedule is not possible and employees are fearful, contact the Sequim police to request an escort to the bank.
If a robbery occurs:
• For your safety, comply with the robber’s demands.
• Immediately phone 9-1-1 and stay in the same location if you feel safe or go to a safe, well-lighted location and then call 9-1-1.
• Answer the questions asked by the 9-1-1 dispatcher so that responding officers can help.
• Write down what and how the incident occurred and a description of the suspect and the vehicle as soon as possible.
Anyone with information regarding the recent robberies is urged to contact the Sequim Police Department by phoning 360-683-7227.
Business owners who want additional safe-practices information can phone Turner at the same number.
________
Sequim-Dungeness Valley reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladaily news.com
