Bank Robbery: The FBI

Perspective
By Garry Barnes
Over the last 10 years there have been between seven to eight thousand bank robberies per year
nationwide. Despite these apparent high numbers, the majority of bank employees will never have to go
through a bank robbery. But, those unfortunate employees that do will find it to be a very traumatic
experience.

Over the last couple of hundred years, banks have been considered to be the logical target
for the criminal that is looking for a fast, easy score. When the infamous bank robber Willie
Sutton was asked why he robbed banks he reportedly replied, That is where the money is.
Bank robberies are costly, disruptive, extremely time consuming and shatter ones peace-ofmind, but the facts are, each year the money stolen from financial institutions by fraud is
over 100 times the amount stolen in robberies according the Federal Bureau of
Investigation.
Western Banking Magazine is grateful to the FBI for their support and willingness to
participate in the following interview. This interview and information was provided by the
Los Angeles FBI, Supervisory Special Agent John H. McEachern III, Bank Robbery, SA Daniel
A. Bodony, LA Bank Robbery Coordinator, and SSA Bryan Tepper Security.
WB: Is bank robbery a growing threat to banks?
FBI
The Los Angeles greater metropolitan area is comprised of seven counties with
approximately 19 million people, and between 3,500-4,000 financial institutions. Bank
robbery for these institutions is a continuing threat. There were 8,057 bank robberies in Los
Angeles during the last 10 years; however, robberies last year in the Los Angeles area were
at a 35-year low with 549 robberies. This years robbery figures are only slightly less than
last. California bank robberies account for approximately 20 percent of all bank robberies
committed nationally.
WB:Are there common characteristic or consistent circumstances within the bank that
create a higher level of probability of a bank robbery?
FBI
The number of security measures and devices that are implemented is the largest
determining factor. Does the bank have a bandit barrier? What are the quantity, locations,
and conditions of cameras, surveillance equipment and security devices? Is there a guard?
Certain banks have physical characteristics that seem to make them more attractive to bank
robbers. Are there multiple entrances/exits? Is the bank located on one floor or multiple
floors? Can the entire bank be seen from the street windows? Is there freeway access,
and/or alternate escape routes for vehicles? The population demographics of an area are
also a factor.

WB : Do you have specific recommendations or procedures that may reduce the potential
risk of robbery?
FBI
Bandit barriers, armed security guards, and access control units are the main deterrents.
Utilization of dye packs and tracking devices is beneficial. The installation of multiple
cameras and armed or unarmed guards helps prevent robberies. One camera per teller
station is much more effective and a deterrent compared to one old camera up in a corner
of the branch.
WB : Do you recommend certain types of training for bank staff?
FBI
The FDIC mandates teller training. The FBI encourages security-type training, and what to
do in the event of a robbery; how the alarm systems work; how the security systems and
devices work; how to be a good witness; how to preserve evidence. Tellers should be
familiar with all security measures deployed at the branch, i.e., the alarm system, dye packs
and tracking systems. Training also helps provide a safer work environment for employees
as well as for the customers.
WB : Is "mock robbery" training beneficial?
FBI
Yes, either live or video-training scenarios will help raise security awareness and assist in
determining what responses are warranted.
WB : What can bank management do to reduce the risk of harm during a robbery?
FBI
Banks can install bandit barriers, access control units and properly positioned armed or
unarmed security guards. The banks should maintain a consistent dialogue and
communication with their corporate security offices, which are there to assist and train for
these occurrences and instruct what to do in the event of a bank robbery to avoid anyone
being harmed or injured.
WB : Are there certain practices such as bait money, dye packs or other procedures that
will aid in the capture of the robber?
FBI
All these are beneficial. All security measures and devices are beneficial and serve as
deterrents and aid in the arrest of bank robbery subjects.
WB : What percentages of robbers are apprehended?
FBI
The current solution rate is 65-70 percent. However, in years past the average was about
75-80 percent (10 year average). The current numbers are skewed because of several

prolific robbers that remain at large. One robber (currently identified) is responsible for 26
recent robberies.
[After completion of this interview FBI Special Agent Bryan Tepper advised WIB that the
individual referenced above, responsible for 26 recent robberies has been arrested. The
individual known as the Dreadlock Bandit is accused of taking more than $70,000 in a series
of holdups since Aug. 19 and accused of carrying out a robbery every other day, according
to the FBI.]
WB : Are city banks more likely to be robbed than rural banks?
FBI
City banks are more likely to be robbed because of the population demographics. In the city,
there are more people, more banks and greater access.
WB : Is there a consistent profile of a bank robber?
FBI
In Los Angeles the average bank robber is a known drug or narcotics user or involved in a
gang.
WB : What percentages of bank robberies turn violent?
FBI
All bank robberies are considered violent by definition. In 8-10 percent of all robberies that
occurred, a customer or employee is assaulted or robbed. A very small percentage of
robberies turn violent. Historically either oral demand or written demand notes were used in
80 percent of the Los Angeles robberies. There has been a gradual increase in the takeover
style robberies. In 2001, 30 percent of all robberies were takeover, in 2002 32 percent, in
2003 34 percent, and in 2004 37 percent of the total were takeover robberies. The takeover
robberies are inherently more violent in that the robbers force everyone to the floor for
control, and empty all the drawers and sometimes the vault. Robberies with shots fired only
accounted for a very small percentage.
WB : Are armed guards a deterrent to bank robbery?
FBI
Armed or unarmed guards are a deterrent, and are beneficial when properly deployed
outside the institution. A guard positioned outside of the branch allows the guard to deter
potential bank robbers and to be a good witness. Even an unarmed guard outside a branch
is a deterrent. The vast majority of bank robbers only want to go unnoticed and undetected
by everyone except the teller who is being robbed.
WB: Is there one single best deterrent to bank robbery?
FBI
Historically one of the largest financial institutions in Los Angeles metropolitan region
accounted for 33 percent of all bank robberies in region. In 2002, by working with the FBI

and determining which banks were high risk, installing bandit barriers and other security
measures, and providing increased teller training, their current bank robbery percentage
dropped to 17 percent of the regions total.