The City of Saint John has seen an abnormal number of bank robberies this year, the latest occurring this past Monday.
It’s one of six armed bank robberies in the city in less than 8 months.
READ MORE: Saint John police release frightening photos of armed bank robbery
Still police say it’s not a time to panic.
“I don’t think there’s any reason for the public to be alarmed,” said Sgt. Chuck Breen of the Saint John Police Force. “They are being investigated. Nobody has been hurt.”
Handguns have been used in a number of these armed bank robberies and police say the perpetrator, at least in this most recent incident, acted very aggressively.
While no one has been injured in the robberies so far, witnessing such an event can be traumatic.
Judy Urquhart is a counsellor for victims of crime and has witnessed a bank robbery firsthand.
“Terror, yep. Felt really terrified,” Urquhart said. “I was a single mother with children and wondering what’s going to happen to them if I’m not around to take care of them.”
Urquhart said many victims suffer PTSD symptoms which can reoccur, like being startled, sleep disorders and depression. She said victims of crime should seek out professional help.
“They do need some help,” she said. “Sort of assimilating or understanding what happened to them and finding someway of coping with the after effects.”
Breen said if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t be the hero.
Police say they are investigating the possibility some of these robberies may involve the same suspect.
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