Worries as FBI Confirms Robbery Not a Top Priority

Jackson, Ben, American Banker

When the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that it was directing more resources to thwarting terrorism, it confirmed that bank robbery was one crime that would receive less attention.

Meanwhile, bank robberies are on the rise. According to preliminary FBI data, 8,259 bank robberies were committed last year, a 9.4% increase from 2000. And even though the FBI has cut back on investigating robberies before, bankers and law enforcement officials worry the bureau's latest move, announced Wednesday, could make it more difficult to apprehend criminals wanted for more than one robbery.

Arvin E. Clar, a Cleveland detective and a security consultant for Charter One Bank, said most bank robbers are wanted in more than one state, and the FBI coordinates investigations across state lines.

"What we're afraid of is organized …

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Publication information: Article title: Worries as FBI Confirms Robbery Not a Top Priority. Contributors: Jackson, Ben - Author. Magazine title: American Banker. Publication date: June 3, 2002. Page number: 5. © 2009 SourceMedia, Inc. COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group.

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