Tale of Two Signs: Willoughby bank robbed; Middletown store welcomes CHL

Following the old adage that a picture says a thousand words, some Ohio businesses are choosing to use pictures say few words to would-be criminals who may target their stores.

Consider the message received by all who view this picture of law enforcement agent dusting for fingerprints next to a "no-guns" sign at a Fifth Third bank. The photo appeared on the front page of the Willoughby News Herald. (We already know what message the bank robber received when he saw the sign in the first place.)

align="center">

On the other hand, a far different message is being sent to would-be criminals by this Middletown retailer:

align="center">

State Representative and two-time OFCC PAC Endorsee Keith Faber recently told the Greenville Daily Advocate that he is concerned about this issue.

"I am very concerned about organizations that make victim zones, essentially, by prohibiting law-abiding Ohioans their right as provided by the constitution and state statute for self-protection," Faber said. "Ohio's concealed carry statute strikes a careful balance between the right of the self-protected and appropriate training. Generally I'm not in favor of exclusion zones. I think it's bad public policy to try and stop law-abiding Ohioans from their right."

Customers and employees at eleven retail stores and banks on the list have experienced violent criminal encounters. And that's just the ones we know about.

The latest occurred just last week:
Police Search For Waffle House Bandit

align="right">
In northeast Ohio, police are investigating a rash of armed robberies on exits in Ashtabula County.

This is the 5th such robbery in 6 months along theses exits on Rt. 534 and Rt. 45.

One area store which has not been robbed in this exact same area is the store at which an OFCC volunteer put up a CCW friendly sign.