International Summaries: Bank Robbery and Technology: Does Technology Affect Security?

• NCJ Number: 107152
• Author(s): H Buechler; H Leineweber
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 4 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice/NCJRS
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NIJ/NCJRS international summary of "Bankraub and technische Pravention" (NCJ 106495).

Annotation

This West German study compiled data on the place, time, and duration of bank robberies from January 1, 1981 to June 30, 1983 (1,828 cases), as well as on the robbers' personal characteristics, and the effectiveness of various security technologies were examined.

Abstract

Data were obtained from police and criminal prosecution files and banking association statistical reports for the study period. The highest percentage of cases occurred in communities of less than 5,000 population, and most robberies occurred in the winter, with Thursdays and Fridays most often chosen for the robberies. The number of robberies accomplished in 3 minutes or less (87.3 percent) has doubled since earlier studies. Despite the increase in bank robberies, the rate of cleared cases has remained constant. An effective technological security system, especially the use of optical surveillance, has contributed to successful case investigations. Escalation in the robbers' behaviors to circumvent the 'neutralizing' effects or obstacles of technological prevention is the only apparent negative consequence of increased technological security. This escalation of criminal behavior to compensate for improved bank security has not occurred on a wide scale, and it consists primarily of the temporary taking of a hostage.