Bank Robber Calls Ahead to Demand Cash Be Ready, Arrested While Waiting in Drive-Thru Line
In what could easily be mistaken for a comedy sketch, a bank robbery attempt turned farcical in Kruje, Albania, as the would-be thief was arrested while waiting in the bank’s drive-thru lane. The 34-year-old suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, managed to baffle police and amuse the public with his unconventional approach to crime.
Earlier that day, the Kruje Police Department received a call from an individual demanding that the local branch of Albania Bank prepare a large sum of money, as he intended to rob them. According to Chief of Police, Elira Mërkuri, the caller explicitly instructed the tellers to “have the cash ready and waiting to avoid any unnecessary drama.” The bank staff, under strict protocols, triggered their silent alarm while stalling the caller, confirming his identity and location in the process.
What the suspect failed to anticipate was the efficiency of the local law enforcement. As he pulled into the bank’s drive-thru line, officers were already in place, ready to apprehend him. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a scene straight out of a slapstick movie, with the suspect appearing bewildered as police surrounded his vehicle.
“This is one of the most bizarre robbery attempts we have seen,” said Mërkuri at a press conference. “It seems the suspect thought he could streamline the process by calling ahead. Unfortunately for him, all he managed was to streamline his own arrest.”
The suspect is now facing charges of attempted robbery and misuse of emergency communication channels. The incident has sparked a wave of humorous comments and memes online, with many praising the calm and quick thinking of the bank staff and police.
Bank officials and local authorities have reiterated the importance of security and vigilance in all banking operations. Meanwhile, the community of Kruje is left with a story that, while serious in nature, has provided some unexpected laughs due to its peculiar unfolding.
