Bank Robbery Terrorism Up-Date 10-12-09

Bank heists are again on the rise

--
By NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer
Published: 10/12/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 10/12/2009 3:38 AM

After tapering off midyear, bank robberies are spiking again in Tulsa during a record-breaking year for heists.

There have been a total of 25 robberies and attempts this year, the most in recorded history.

In January alone, there were nine bank robberies. The trend subsided in the spring and summer after a cooperative effort between law officers and the banking industry and a heightened awareness among employees and others who reported suspicious activity.

However, since the first of August, there have been 10 robberies and attempts, showing a clear increase. But the reason for either spike this year is not clear, Sgt. Dave Walker said.

Walker does not think the reason for the increase can be explained simply by saying they are copycats, and added that there is no indication that the economy is to blame.

"It is not like these are good citizens who are out of work," Walker said. "Many of these people are ex-cons."

But Walker emphasized that of the 25 robberies this year, the majority, 15, are closed and someone has been arrested in connection with a heist, Walker said.

"It is not a good idea, and they are not getting away with it," Walker said.

He said that robberies of financial institutions are typically seasonal and pick up in November, December and January.

"Why it started in August is not clear. Most of the people who have been arrested said they needed the money," Walker said, adding that many bank robbery suspects have told police that they need the money for drugs.

Walker thinks that efforts by police and FBI agents to work closely with the banking industry helped raise awareness and led to bank robberies decreasing after the first of the year.

He said that they want banks to know that they will work with them to make suggestions to reduce their likelihood of being robbed.

Just at the end of September, one major bank in the Tulsa area took advantage of that opportunity and met with officers, he said.

With bank robberies increasing again, police are urging people to be more aware of suspicious vehicles and people around banks.

"We would much rather prevent a robbery than try and catch someone after it already happened," Walker said. "That's why we have a hot line, an e-mail address and other ways that people can reach us."

Walker encouraged people to call 911 if they see something suspicious around a bank.

Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts or his intentions to hit another bank is asked to call the Robbery Hotline at 527-0085. If you know the identity of the suspect, call Crime Stoppers, 596-COPS, or the FBI at 664-3300.

To contact the Robbery Unit by e-mail, the address is robbery@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

Year Bank robberies
2008 16
2007 12
2006 16
2005 13
2004 20
Nicole Marshall 581-8459
nicole.marshall@tulsaworld.com
By NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer


4 comments have been made on this story so far. Tell us what you think below!