Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Karen Scullin reportingBank robberies are becoming more common, than ever. Fact is, they're about to hit an all- time high, in Utah 100, in one year!
It seems pretty easy nowadays to walk into a bank, show the teller a note, and walk out with the cash. But keep in mind, it's also pretty easy to get caught.
It's no surprise anymore to see your bank closed, a note on the door, and police on scene.
Mallory Denison, Witnessed Bank Robbery: "THESE GUYS WALKED IN. AND I SAID TO MY SISTER I THOUGHT THEY WERE BANK ROBBERS, BECAUSE THEY JUST LOOKED LIKE IT. "
Mallory Denison has already seen two bank robberies this year.
Angie Denison, Mallory's mom: "THEY CLOSED DOWN THE BANK IMMEDIATELY AND INTERVIEWED THE KIDS."
Most of the robberies are in the Salt Lake Valley, some banks hit three or more times. But overall, there have been 97 bank robberies in Utah this year. No doubt, soon to hit one hundred, a big change compared to years past. In 2002, there were 74, 2001 -81, In the year 2000 --just 47 and in 1999, 38.
George Dougherty/FBI: "THIS YEAR WE'VE HAD SEVERAL THAT HAVE ROBBED SIX OR SEVEN DIFFERENT BANKS, SO MAYBE THAT'S WHY THE NUMBERS ARE PUSHED UP."
Dougherty also says the need for a heroin fix seems to inspire some bank robbers. But then so do movies like "Heat" and "Point Break." When those movies are on television, police expect a few copycats, by criminals who think robbery is a good way to get rich quick.
George Dougherty: "IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. THEY GO IN THERE ROB A BANK AND THEY GET A COUPLE OF HUNDRED DOLLARS AND THEIR LIFESTYLE HAS CHANGED BECAUSE THEY'RE SPENDING THE NEXT TEN YEARS IN PRISON"
In fact the number of bank robbers arrested in Utah is twice the national average. And disguise or no get-up---your chances of getting caught--are pretty good.
George Dougherty: "WE CATCH AS MANY PEOPLE BECAUSE OF BANK ROBBERY VIDEO, BECAUSE WE CAN SEE THEIR FACE, AS WE DO THOSE THAT ARE COMPLETELY COVERED"
Now the Denisons say they now make an effort to avoid actually going to the bank----they say on-line* banking is the best way to go.
