Michigan, Colorado lead region in bank robberies

Bank branches in Michigan and Colorado were most likely to be robbed in 2008, according to statistics released by the FBI last month. In both states, 8.1 percent of total bank offices were victimized by robbery; in both states, the number of robberies was up substantially from 2007. In Colorado, however, the number of 2008 robberies was much lower than the number reported in 2006 and 2005; in Michigan, the 2008 figure was about the same as reported in 2006 and substantially lower than the number reported in 2005.

Across the country, there were 6,700 robberies of banks, S&Ls and credit unions in 2008, as well as 121 burglaries and 28 larcenies reported.

"While the statistics show a slight decrease from the 6,933 reported violations in 2007, we recognize that these crimes take a serious financial toll on the community," said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. "The FBI remains committed to working with local authorities and bank officials to catch bank bandits and prevent bank crimes from occurring."