Spate of casino robberies heightens alert
Pub Date: 5/1/2006
By Roger Porter
It often seems that we all become a bit complacent in our everyday lives. Most of us get up, get dressed, go to work and come home to an evening of whatever.
Seldom does it ever hit us here in Montana (until we have to deal with it) that crime never takes a holiday and that it is in fact a 24-hour industry employing an unknown number of persons who would just dearly love to take what is yours and not have to work for it.
Lately armed culprits have targeted casinos across the state. They may be seen as attractive targets, if you ponder it.
To begin with, they normally only have one or two attendants and most times carry significant amounts of currency. They present an especially ripe target at night when traffic is slow and the number of customers has dwindled.
An alarming increase in these incidences was recently brought to the public's attention when Missoula experienced an unusually brisk run of casino robberies over a very short time span.
In what has to be a record, robberies occurred between February 2 and April 1 at Flipper s Casino, robbed three times'; the Best Bet, robbed two times within 24 hours and the Primetime on Broadway and the Silvertip each robbed once.
Obviously the police in Missoula have been kept hopping. Robberies of this sort are a challenge to prevent and police in some of the state's major cities have distributed information to casinos to help them deal with the possibility of being robbed.
In Missoula, Crime Prevention Officer Mark Woodward has put together and recently distributed a document covering ideas on avoidance and what to do in the event that you are robbed.
In addition, Woodward is working with casinos on possible deterrents. One currently being put into play is the buzzer door with video camera. The door would be activated at a preset time and after that time anyone seeking entrance would have to push the buzzer and then be buzzed in. Should someone appear on the video camera complete with mask or be of a suspicious nature the attendant could refuse them admittance and notify the authorities.
Special Projects Officer Steve Pretat of the Great Falls Police Department feels that the presence of the door itself serves as a deterrent and the would-be robber may choose another easier target or give up the notion.
Pretat has been involved in formulating techniques for the prevention of, and dealing with, casino crimes in particular He has also appeared before local tavern groups in the past.
The Great Falls department has a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation which is available to interested persons. The presentation includes what to watch out for in spotting suspicious persons and how to behave after the robbery.
The department is now pursuing complementary techniques such as de-escalating the situation should a perpetrator take hostage(s). Pretat is available to make a presentation to any group which wishes to schedule such.
The Billings Police Department has a PR officer, Dave Punt, who visits local businesses (including casinos) on a regular basis, keeping them up to date on prevention and coping techniques.
However, in addition to prevention and coping, Lt. Mark Cady believes that a very aggressive pursuit of criminals is a deterrent in itself. According to Cady, the Billings Detective Unit has one of the highest solve rates around and when a major crime occurs they throw every resource at their command into the rapid solving or resolution of the crime.
It s not a nine-to-five job and we re not afraid to pay overtime, explains Cady. "In solving crimes our department is well aware of the first 'critical 48 hours."
While most casinos have a panic button which alerts authorities, Cady urges victims to also call 911 and detail the situation so the police may gauge the danger level and be fully aware of what they will encounter once they reach the crime site.
Cady also advises the victims to lock the door once the robber has exited so he can not get back in for any reason. The next task is for the attendant to write down everything they can remember.
And one thing to remember is that criminals are not particular. Be it small town or a metropolis they just seem to gravitate towards the easiest target.
As to the reason for the recent jump in the incidence of casino robberies, all three point to methamphetamine as a major contributor.
So keep in mind that crime is not going to disappear. When seeking solutions, remember your best partner in dealing with crime is your local police department. They are anxious to supply you with the best information currently available and, should you ever be robbed, they ll be your best buddies.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, May, 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.