Bank robbers are turning blue state into hot spot for heists, industry leader warns

Despite a national drop in bank robberies in recent years, Colorado remains one of the top states for these crimes — a trend that continues to concern banking and law enforcement leaders.

According to the FBI, Colorado recorded 104 bank robberies in 2023, ranking third in the nation behind California (192) and Illinois (116).

Jenifer Waller, president and CEO of the Colorado Bankers Association, said this ranking is consistent with a long-term pattern.

“Colorado, unfortunately, has always been high in robbery,” Waller said. “We compete with California and a few other states for the number one position on bank robberies.”

While incidents declined after 2021 — when the state saw 191 robberies — Waller noted that numbers are beginning to climb again.

“We saw what I would consider a drastic increase a little over a year ago,” she said. “Some of our member banks have noticed a slight uptick again in recent months.”

That concern is shared by law enforcement agencies across the state. In Aurora, police recently responded to a violent robbery that illustrated how quickly these incidents can escalate.

On September 24, Aurora police were called to a BMO Bank branch, where a man pulled a gun on a teller and demanded cash.

“A man walked in, went straight to the middle counter, pulled out a gun, put it into one of the employees’ faces and demanded money,” an Aurora Police Department (APD) spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The suspect fled with roughly $1,000. Detectives later identified him as 41-year-old Matthew Procella. Three days later, officers — aided by a license plate reader alert — located his vehicle and arrested him without incident.

The APD said that while it doesn’t track bank robberies separately, overall robbery in the city is down 36.3% year-to-date, alongside a 40% increase in arrests.

The FBI declined to comment, citing the ongoing government shutdown.

Waller said there’s no single explanation for why Colorado continues to experience more robberies than most other states.

“I’ve often questioned if the easy access to highways and interstates doesn’t aid in bank robberies here,” she said. “But I don’t have a solid answer. It could also be a downturn economically that motivates it — we’ve seen that in the past.”

Banks Step Up Security

Financial institutions across Colorado have implemented stronger security measures — many of which were first introduced during pandemic restrictions and later made permanent.

“Banks are very proactive,” Waller said. “Our number one priority is ensuring the safety of our customers and employees in any robbery situation.”

Among the changes: some banks keep doors locked, allowing customers inside only after being granted access; others have increased their use of dye packs, surveillance cameras, and employee training. A few have even hired armed guards as deterrents.

Despite Colorado’s high numbers, most robberies in the state are nonviolent “note jobs”, meaning no weapon is shown.

“The majority of robberies in Colorado and nationwide are note jobs and nonviolent,” Waller explained. “Usually not even a gun is drawn.”

Still, the emotional toll can be significant.

“Bank robbery isn’t a victimless crime,” Waller said. “Employees and customers experience a certain amount of stress, even if it’s just a note job.”

Fraud and New Crime Trends Rising

While physical robberies remain a major concern, fraud and scams are rising even faster — particularly check-washing operations and schemes run by organized crime groups.

“It surprises me, but we’re seeing a rise in old-fashioned check washing,” Waller said. “Law enforcement has identified organized criminal activity behind it.”

Colorado has also begun to see more cases of “jugging,” a crime in which thieves target people who have just withdrawn cash from a bank.

“We’re starting to see that in Colorado,” Waller warned. “Jugging is when an individual is robbed after taking a withdrawal or carrying cash. We’re reminding customers to stay aware of their surroundings and not leave bank bags in vehicles.”

To counter these threats, banks and law enforcement have launched public education campaigns focused on awareness and safety.

Waller praised the FBI and the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force for their ongoing partnership with financial institutions.

“The FBI is extremely helpful,” she said. “The Task Force does a phenomenal job identifying and convicting bank robbers. We’re very pleased with the support we get.”

Historically, about 80% of bank robberies are solved within two years, according to Waller, though she said she did not have current data.

For customers caught in a robbery, she offered straightforward advice: “Comply with the robber’s demands immediately. Afterward, write down everything you remember without discussing it with others, so your memory isn’t influenced. The most important thing is not to intervene.”

Staying Vigilant

As criminal tactics evolve, Colorado’s banks continue adapting — combining technology, training, and vigilance to keep employees and customers safe.

“Customer and employee safety is our number one priority,” Waller said. “Even though Colorado doesn’t currently lead the nation in bank robberies, we’re staying alert — especially as new crimes and fraud schemes continue to emerge.”

Original Source