Bank Robberies Fall 75% From Record High in ’92

Bank robberies in Southern California have declined by 75% since hitting a record high in 1992, according to figures released by the FBI.

A total of 656 bank robberies were committed in 1998, compared to 2,641 in 1992 in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, which are under the jurisdiction of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office.

Last year’s figures also represent the lowest number of bank robberies in 30 years.

Nevertheless, Assistant FBI Director Timothy P. McNally, head of the office, expressed concern about the frequency of violent takeovers by bank bandits. Although down by two-thirds since 1992, they constituted 23% of last year’s total.

“There is more that can and will be done to safeguard Southland citizens,” he said.

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Bank Robbery Roster

Bank robberies in Southern California have declined by 75% since hitting a record high in 1992. These figures include Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

1992: 2,641

1998: 656

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Source: FBI