Bank Crime Statistics for Fourth Quarter of 2009

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2010 - During the fourth quarter of 2009, there were 1,312 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statue, a decrease from the 1,649 reported violations in the same quarter of 2008.¹ According to statistics released today by the FBI, there were 1,294 robberies, 16 burglaries, and two larcenies of financial institutions² reported between October 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. No extortions were reported during the quarter.

Loot was taken in 91 percent of the incidents, totaling more than $10.5 million.
Of the loot taken, 20 percent of it was recovered. More than $1.6 million was recovered and returned to financial institutions.
Bank crimes most frequently occurred on Tuesday. Regardless of the day, the time frame when bank crimes occurred most frequently was between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Acts of violence were committed in 6 percent of the incidents, resulting in 36 injuries, eight deaths, and 33 persons being taken hostage.³
Oral demands were the most common modus operandi used, closely followed by demand notes.⁴
Most violations occurred in the Southern region of the U.S., with 491 reported incidents.

These statistics were recorded as of January 19, 2010. Note that not all bank crimes are reported to the FBI, and therefore the report is not a complete statistical compilation of all bank crimes that occurred in the U.S.

¹ In the fourth quarter of 2008, there were 1,617 robberies, 25 burglaries, three larcenies, and four bank extortions reported.
² Financial institutions include commercial banks, mutual savings banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions.
³ One or more acts of violence may occur during an incident.
⁴ More than one modus operandi may have been used during an incident.

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