Two more ''No-guns'' banks robbed this week

The Toledo Blade reported Friday that another Fifth Third bank has been robbed at gun point, despite having posted "no-guns" signs on its doors.

The man robbed the Fifth Third at 10105 Fremont Pike near Thompson Road, about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 16.

Authorities released a surveillance photo of the robbery in progress, where the robber can be seen pointing a semi-automatic pistol at the teller.

One week earlier, in Middletown, police say two men with guns in hand and bandannas obscuring their faces jumped from a van and charged into a "no-guns" MidFirst Credit Union yelling, "this is a robbery!"

On September 10, the Dayton Daily News reported three men in a minivan pulled up to the front door of the credit union and two of them got out while the third stayed in the driver's seat. The criminals are still at large.

What is it about the danger in these signs the following businesses can't
understand?? (Click on the Read More... link below to read two letters from officials at the Ohio Auto Club and Sofa Express).

Ohio Auto Club posting:

----- Original Message -----
From: Linda Ulrey ([email protected])
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004
Subject: Response to your e-mail

This e-mail is in response to your e-mail that was forwarded to me.

Ohio Auto Club made the decision to post the sign that prevents a person
from carrying a concealed weapon in our place of business based on the
advice of our attorney. There is the argument that allowing handguns at our
place of business is a good thing for self protection and then there is
also the argument that with workplace violence at an all-time high, if
handguns are allowed at work, it will only get worse. Ohio Auto Club does
not take a stance on either side of the issue regarding this law. The new
(Ohio Concealed Carry) Law was enacted to permit licensed individuals to
carry a concealed handgun. The new law also contains a substantial list of
restricted places where concealed weapons are forbidden due to safety
factors. The law also permits private businesses open to the public like
Ohio Auto Club to prohibit entry of persons with loaded weapons. In doing
so, the Ohio legislature has recognized that many Ohio citizens have safety
concerns about the new law. Ohio Auto Club respects the right of
individuals to voice their opinions about the law.

We hope we don't lose your business, but we feel we must follow the advice
of our attorneys. If you decide to continue your membership you will
continue to receive the same high level of service that you have come to
expect from Ohio Auto Club.

Sincerely,

Linda Ulrey
Human Resources Director

Linda Ulrey, Human Resources Director
AAA Ohio Auto Club
90 E. Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, OH 43085

Sofa Express posting:

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Pasquith ([email protected])
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Subject: FW: Question about sign

Thank you for your e-mail sent on Saturday regarding our policy on firearms on
our property. I am sorry that this policy will force you to purchase your
furniture elsewhere. We respect your opinion on the matter and your right to
shop where you choose. Thank you for stopping by our store.

Sincerely,

K. Scott Pasquith
Chief Financial Officer

Sofa Express Corporate Office
4600 S. Hamilton Rd.
Groveport, OH 43125
614.836.4800
(no retail store at this location)

NOTE: According to research done by OFCC volunteers in April, Visitors to Sofa Express stores in other Right-to-Carry states like Indiana are not asked to go defenseless.