MIAMI – South Florida is on course to reach nearly 100 bank robberies by September 30th, if the current trend holds, and will outpace the number of robberies from the two previous years according to statistics released by FBI Miami Division today.
There were a total of 49 bank robberies in the first half of fiscal year 2012 which ended in March. This represents an increase of approximately 25% over the previous fiscal year.
The FBI and the South Florida Violent Crime/Fugitive Task Force (SFVC/FTF) have solved about half of the robberies this year and continue to investigate the remaining cases.
“The majority of the unsolved cases are non-violent bank robbers who commit what we call ‘one-on-one robberies,’” said FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Beall, who leads the SFVC/FTF. “We always try to get pictures of the bank robbers out to the public as soon as possible. In most cases, tips from the public help us identify the robbers and bring them to justice.”
The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance for any information concerning three unsolved crimes; the April the March 29, 2012, robbery of a Pembroke Pines, FL, bank and an August 22, 2009, armored carrier robbery in Dania Beach, FL, during which an armored carrier employee was shot. There is a reward offered for the armored carrier robbery case.
On a daily basis, the SFVC/FTF combats violent armored truck and bank robbers. The SFVC/FTF is lead by the FBI and is comprised of law enforcement officers from Miami Dade PD, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miramar PD, Fort Lauderdale PD, Miami Beach PD, City of Miami PD and Hialeah PD.
If someone has information about these or any other robberies, they should contact the FBI at (305) 944-9101.
