FBI Releases Bank Crime Statistics for Third Quarter of 2010

During the third quarter of 2010, there were 1,325 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute, an increase from the 1,212 reported violations in the same quarter of 2009.¹ According to statistics released today by the FBI, there were 1,310 robberies, 13 burglaries, two larcenies and six extortions of financial institutions² reported between July 1, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2010.

Highlights of the report include:

• Loot was taken in 90 percent of the incidents, totaling more than $9.3 million.
• Of the loot taken, 20 percent, or nearly $1.4 million, was recovered and returned to financial institutions.
• Bank crimes most frequently occurred on Friday. Regardless of the day, the time frame when bank crimes occurred most frequently was between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Acts of violence were committed in 4 percent of the incidents, resulting in 21 injuries, four deaths, and nine people being taken hostage.³
• Demand notes were the most common modus operandi used, closely followed by oral demands.⁴
• Most violations occurred in the southern region of the U.S., with 482 reported incidents.

These statistics were recorded as of October. 27, 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 third quarter of 2009, there were 1,184 robberies and 28 burglaries. No larcenies or extortions were 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.

View the entire report