Crime Grows 15.6% During Third Quarter

There were 1,325 financial institution crimes reported during the third quarter of 2010, up from 1,146 crimes reported during the second quarter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports—a 15.6% increase.

This includes 1,310 robberies, 13 burglaries, two larcenies, and six extortions of financial institutions reported between July 1, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2010.

There was far more crime at commercial banks (1,183 robberies, 10 burglaries, and two larcenies) than at credit unions (90 robberies and one burglary) during this period. Credit unions reported 85 robberies and one burglary during the second quarter.

Savings and loan associations suffered 25 robberies and mutual savings banks experienced 11 robberies and two burglaries.

Other highlights:

• Loot was taken in 90% of the incidents, totaling more than $9.3 million;
• Of the loot taken, 20% (nearly $1.4 million) was recovered and returned to the financial institutions;
• These crimes occur most frequently on Friday;
• Criminals are most likely to strike between 9-11 a.m.;
• Criminals are far more likely to be male than female;
• Acts of violence were committed in 4% of the incidents, resulting in 21 injuries, four deaths, and nine people being taken hostage;
• Demand notes were the most common modus operandi used, followed closely by oral demands; and
• Most violations occurred in the southern region of the U.S., with 482 reported incidents.

Read the full report here.