FBI Releases Bank Crime Statistics for Second Quarter of 2008

Today the FBI released bank crime statistics for the second quarter of calendar year 2008. Between April 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008, there were 1,406 robberies of financial institutions¹, as well as 28 burglaries and nine larcenies. This represents 1,443 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute, a decrease from the previous quarter’s total of 1,641.

“Although today’s statistics show a decrease in violations, the propensity for violence during bank crimes remains a concern. Acts of violence occurred in 58 of these incidents, including assaults, hostage situations, and deaths,” said Assistant Director Kenneth W. Kaiser, FBI Criminal Investigative Division.

Highlights of the report include the following:

• Of the 1,443 total reported violations, loot was taken in 1,311 incidents (91 percent). In contrast, loot was taken in 1,409 incidents (91 percent) during the first quarter of 2008.
• The total amount taken was valued at more than $12.6 million dollars. This represents a decrease from the previous quarter in which more than $15 million was stolen.
• A note was used in 815 incidents, a firearm was used in 373 incidents, and robbers threatened the use of a weapon in 567 incidents.
• Seven deaths occurred during this reporting period, including five perpetrators and two others. No law enforcement officers were killed responding to these incidents.
• Most violations occurred on Friday. Regardless of the day of the week, violations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. were the most common.

View the detailed report and learn more about the FBI at www.fbi.gov.

¹ Financial institutions include commercial banks, mutual savings banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions.