FBI releases report on bank robberies in N.C.

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Dawn Wallace

Staff Writer- Triangle Business Journal

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Bank robberies are down and have been declining across North Carolina for the last 10 years.

Data released by the FBI shows that in 2004, North Carolina had 267 bank robberies, which declined to 179 in 2005. But that number spiked to 263 in 2007. During the economic decline in 2009, bank robberies dropped to 172 and have since steadily declined. In 2013, the state experienced 125 bank robberies.

"Bank robberies continue to be a statewide and national issue of importance," says Terr Huskey, chair of the N.C. Bankers Association Security Committee. "Although the frequency of bank robberies continue to decrease for the most part, it is critical that we do everything we can to bring this number lower and lower, year after year."

As of Nov. 30, there have been 91 bank robberies across North Carolina, including nine in the Triangle and three in Wilmington. So far this year, Charlotte has experienced the most of any city, at eight bank robberies.

Here are 2014 North Carolina bank robbery statistics, courtesy of the FBI:

• 4-5 p.m. – the most popular time of the year for robberies
• April – 2014's biggest bank robbery month, with 14
• First Citizens Bank – most robberies (13)
• Branch Bank and Trust – second most robberies (11)
• Wells Fargo – third most popular for robberies (10)
• Thursday – the most common day for bank robberies

Reporter Dawn Wallace covers small business, personalities and Triangle trends.