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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- FBI statistics show bank robberies are on the decline across Utah.
Utah had just 34 bank robberies in 2006 -- less than half than in 2005. That's also a huge drop from 2003, when there were 130 robbery at banks and credit unions across the state.
FBI records also shows the cops catch the bulk of bandits. Arrests were made or charges were filed in 75 percent of cases last year. The F-B-I says that's higher than the national average of 60 percent.
Cops attribute the drop to better cooperation between police agencies. They also say improved technology -- like digital surveillance camera footage -- and better training of bank employees help as well.
Utah Banker Association senior vice president Wendy Holloway isn't as sure.
She thinks some Utah criminal are abandoning bank robbery for identity theft crimes. She says bank robbery poses too much risk for too little reward.
------ Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, www.sltrib.com
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
