The number of bank robberies in 2009 was higher than in previous years, shows a report by the Institute for Economic Security.
Bank robbers, who usually acted individually (99 percent of cases), struck 121 times last year, which is twice more than in 2008 and 2007 together. Fifty-one bank robberies were reported in 2007 and 52 in 2008.
The criminals usually took aim at smaller banks or local branches and stole small amount of money – from 500 zloty (125 euro) to 5,000 zloty (1,250 euro). The record sum reached 20,000 zloty (5,000 euro).
Most bank robberies were reported in the Mazovia region – 26, including 24 in Warsaw. September turned out to be especially rich in bank robberies as criminals struck 23 times that month.
The most common tools used by bank robbers to frighten cashiers were dummy guns, air rifles and tear gas, but criminals also attacked cashiers with an axe, stone, door handle or spoon. (mg/mmj)
Source: Rzeczpospolita