Commonwealth Bank beefs up security in Geelong following intruder threat

A big four bank has limited trade at all its Geelong branches and tightened security after a string of terrifying incidents involving a knife-wielding offender, who is still on the loose.

Security staff at the entrance to the Commonwealth Bank Malop St. Picture: Alison Wynd

A big four bank has limited trade at all its Geelong branches and beefed up security after a string of terrifying incidents involving a knife-wielding man.

The Geelong Advertiser understands some Commonwealth Bank staff at the Belmont and Geelong branches are undergoing counselling following three disturbing incidents within an hour on Friday, May 24.

Detectives are still searching for the offender, who made threats to staff at the Malop St bank before fleeing on foot about 1.40pm.

A security guard and waiting customers outside the Commonwealth Bank, High St Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

He then entered a second branch on High St a short time later, brandishing a knife outside the bank and yelling threats at people inside.

He again fled the scene.

First Constable Paul Hogan said an investigation was ongoing.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has employed more security and limited trade at its Geelong, Geelong West, Belmont and Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre branches as a result.

One Belmont customer, who did not want to be named, said the security breach was “frightening and traumatic”.

“There were knives and other threatening behaviour,” she said.

Commonwealth Bank Malop St. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I know one staff member who is having trauma counselling.

“It has changed the way they are doing business.”

Queues could be seen at the Belmont branch on Thursday, with only three customers allowed inside at a time.

A CBA spokeswoman confirmed extra security measures and altered business operations were in place.

“Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers and members of public,” she said.

It’s believed CBA staff have been offered onsite counselling.

It comes after 29-year-old man was arrested after a broad daylight attack on a bank teller at a Westpac branch on May 14.

It is alleged the Norlane offender entered the Moorabool St bank and unlawfully assaulted a 51-year-old man.

Westpac Geelong on the corner of Moorabool St and Malop St. Picture: Alison Wynd

He will face Geelong Magistrates Court on June 3 on a string of charges, including unrelated common law assault, reckless cause injury, aggravated burglary and summary assault of a police officer.

Customer Sharon Skelhorn was in the bank with her elderly mother at the time of the incident, and captured audio of the moments before the alleged unlawful assault occurred.

She said the man sounded “erratic” and “anxious” during the “10 minutes of terror” where he had allegedly demanded money, before clobbering a staff member over the head.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Originally published as Commonwealth Bank beefs up security in Geelong following intruder threat