Regardless of a nationwide decline in financial institution robberies over the previous a number of years, Colorado stays among the many prime states for these crimes — a incontrovertible fact that considerations native banking leaders who report an uptick in heists.
In line with the FBI, Colorado recorded 104 financial institution robberies in 2023, the newest yr with knowledge accessible. That ranked third within the nation behind California (192) and Illinois (116).
Jenifer Waller, chief government officer and president of the Colorado Bankers Affiliation, mentioned the state’s excessive rating is nothing new.
“Colorado, sadly, has all the time been excessive in theft,” Waller mentioned. “We compete with California and some different states for the primary place on financial institution robberies.”
Whereas incidents declined after 2021, when Colorado had 191 financial institution robberies, Waller mentioned the pattern seems to be edging upward once more.
“We noticed what I’d contemplate a drastic enhance a bit of over a yr in the past,” she added. “A few of our member banks have observed a slight uptick once more in latest months.”
That concern has been echoed by regulation enforcement companies throughout the state — together with in Aurora, the place police just lately responded to an armed financial institution theft that underscored how rapidly these crimes can escalate.
On Sept. 24, Aurora police have been known as to a BMO Financial institution department after a person pulled a gun on a teller and demanded money.
“A person walked in, went straight to the center counter, pulled out a gun, put it into one of many staff’ faces and demanded cash,” an Aurora Police Division (APD) spokesperson instructed Fox Information Digital.
The suspect fled with about $1,000. Detectives recognized him as 41-year-old Matthew Procella, and three days later — aided by a license-plate reader hit — officers situated his automobile and arrested Procella with out incident.
The APD mentioned that whereas the division doesn’t individually observe bank-robbery knowledge, total theft within the metropolis is down 36.3% year-to-date, alongside a 40% enhance in arrests.
The FBI declined to remark, citing the continuing authorities shutdown.
When requested what is likely to be fueling this enhance, Waller admitted it’s a posh challenge with no clear trigger.
“I’ve typically questioned if the simple entry to highways and interstates doesn’t assist in financial institution robberies right here,” she mentioned. “However I don’t have a stable reply. It is also a downturn economically that motivates it — now we have seen that previously.”
Colorado banks are taking proactive steps to discourage robberies and shield each clients and staff. Many of those safety upgrades have been accelerated by pandemic protocols and have continued as everlasting deterrents.
“Banks are very proactive. Our primary precedence is making certain the security of our clients and staff in any theft scenario,” Waller mentioned. “One factor we noticed carried out … is the place banks’ doorways could be locked and the shoppers must get entry to return contained in the financial institution. We’ve seen banks proceed that as a method of safety.”
Banks are additionally leaning on know-how, together with dye packs, superior cameras and continued worker coaching. Some establishments have opted to make use of armed guards as an extra deterrent.
Regardless of the excessive numbers, most financial institution robberies in Colorado are nonviolent, Waller mentioned.
“The vast majority of robberies in Colorado and nationwide are notice jobs and nonviolent robberies,” Waller defined. “Often not even a gun is drawn.”
Nonetheless, even nonviolent robberies take an emotional toll.
“Financial institution theft isn’t a victimless crime,” Waller mentioned. “These concerned — staff and clients alike — expertise a specific amount of stress, even when it’s only a notice job.”
Whereas bodily robberies stay a significant concern, fraud and scams are quickly rising — notably involving check-washing schemes and arranged crime teams exploiting weak people to money fraudulent checks.
“It surprises me, however we’re seeing an increase in old style examine washing,” Waller mentioned. “Legislation enforcement has recognized organized felony exercise behind it.”
Along with conventional financial institution robberies, Colorado is starting to see a harmful crime pattern generally known as “jugging,” which had beforehand been extra widespread in different components of the nation.
“We’re beginning to see that in Colorado,” Waller mentioned. “Jugging is when a person is robbed after taking a withdrawal or carrying money. We’re reminding clients to remain conscious of their environment and never depart financial institution luggage in autos.”
Banks and regulation enforcement companies are responding with public schooling campaigns targeted on situational consciousness and secure dealing with of money.
Waller credited the FBI and the Rocky Mountain Protected Streets Activity Pressure for his or her robust partnership with monetary establishments.
“The FBI is extraordinarily useful,” she mentioned. “The Activity Pressure does an exceptional job of figuring out and convicting financial institution theft. We’re very happy with the help we get.”
Waller famous that traditionally, about 80% of financial institution robberies have been solved inside 24 months, although she emphasised she didn’t have a present determine.
For purchasers who may discover themselves in a theft scenario, Waller supplied easy however agency recommendation.
“You simply adjust to the robber’s calls for instantly,” she suggested. “After the very fact, you write down every part you may keep in mind… with out speaking to anybody else so nobody influences your reminiscence. Crucial factor is for a buyer to not attempt to intervene.”
As financial institution crimes evolve, Colorado’s monetary establishments proceed to adapt — balancing know-how, vigilance and buyer security.
“Buyer and worker security is our primary precedence,” Waller emphasised.
Whereas Colorado could not at the moment prime the record of states with essentially the most financial institution robberies, the rise in new felony ways and fraud schemes stays a priority — one which Colorado’s monetary establishments are watching carefully.
