Florida Second in Bank Robberies
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Updated: 5:30 PM Jul 23, 2008
Florida Second in Bank Robberies
A report released by the FBI shows the Sun Shine state had the second most bank robberies in the nation during the last 3 months of 2007.
Posted: 5:28 PM Jul 23, 2008
Reporter: Roman Lillie
Email Address: Roman.Lillie@wctv.tv
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Bank robbers across the nation got away with around $13 million in just 3 months.

The saying is: "Crime doesn't pay." But a new report released by the FBI shows sometimes it does. Of the $23 million stolen in the last 3 months of 2007, only $10 million has been recovered.

Local deputies say when it comes to robberies, time isn't always on their side. "Most of the time it's just something that happens very quickly and is over and done with in a matter of minutes," says Sergent Tony Drzewiecki of the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Florida had the second most robberies in the nation during the last quarter of 2007. Florida had 85 robberies during that time frame.

Banking experts say robbers who try to hold up a bank are taking a big chance. "There's cameras at every angle now in banks so any bad guys that are watching this interview, I will tell you, you better think before you act. Because your pictures are gonna be caught in video," says Alex Sanchez, CEO of the Florida Bankers Association.

Many in the banking community ask their customers not to wear hoods, hats or sunglasses inside the bank. Bank officials hope that policy will draw attention to those who may be trying to disguise themselves.

"With the tough crime laws that we have in Florida, you have to be absolutely out of your mind to rob a bank today," adds Sanchez.

The FBI's report also says bank robbers are more likely to strike on Friday than any other day of the week. Georgia's not far behind Florida in terms of the number of bank robberies. Georgia ranked third on the list with 84 robberies.


Latest Comments

Posted by: MichelleH Location: Hialeah on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:58 PM

Florida has allowed guns to come into the hands of everyone who shouldn't have them. Thank you Tallahassee once again for putting the agenda of the NRA ahead of Florida's citizens. Just how do you sleep at night?