know what you've got

This story appeared on local TV news a while ago. The way it was told really got to me:

CCTV Footage –

REPORTER It’s the image police hope will be good enough to trace the armed raider. He’s seen followed into the office by an unwitting member of the public. The CCTV camera clearly picks up the moment that he brandishes a handgun at the counter. In the ensuing moments seven staff members ran into a safe room. Two others and the customer made their way out into the street.

Bystander: “This guy was so quick. Grabbed me from the door there.And just grabbed me into the Bull and Beck. Someone said “oh the bank: armed robbery. Being robbed next door.”

What were your feelings while this was going on?

Shock. Complete and utter shock.

REPORTER A 50-strong police team was mustered, including armed officers and a negotiator.

Detective: The initial information we’d been given was that there had been an armed robbery. That the people insider the bank were of the opinion that the man who had committed the offences may still be inside the premises. Our priority at that time was to make sure that everybody was safe.

REPORTER In fact the raider had escaped into the street within minutes, with about £1500 in cash. But it was well over four hours before staff were brought out and other people allowed to leave shops, a pub and businesses. Shocked staff members were at work today although the branch is to remain closed until Monday. A reward of up to £15000 is being offered for information leading to a prosecution.

Look again at the ending. What has happened? The police have just besieged a bank and brought a high street to a standstill for four hours, but the thief is long gone. If it weren't for the distress caused to the bank staff, this would almost be a funny story. It's at least a tale of mis-communication and misunderstanding leading to hours of disruption to people's lives. You might even want to ask what went wrong. But the reporter tells it so straight that the "what happened" is buried in one line near the end. What a waste....