Bank robbers target Colorado as state ranks third in nation for 2023

Despite the national decline in bank robberies over the past few years, Colorado is still among the top US states report these crimes – a fact that worries local bank leaders who have reported an uptick in robberies.

According to the FBI, Colorado recorded 104 bank robberies in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. This ranked third in the nation behind California (192) and Illinois (116).

Jennifer Waller, CEO and president of the Colorado Bankers Association, said the state’s high rating is nothing new.

“Unfortunately, Colorado has always had high theft rates,” Waller said. “We compete with California and a few other states for the top spot in bank robberies.”

A view of Bennett Street in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The state ranked third nationally in bank robberies in 2023, with 104, according to the FBI. (Nina Reingold/Getty Images)

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While incidents declined after 2021, when Colorado saw 191 bank robberies, Waller said the trend appears to be on the rise again.

“We saw what I would consider a significant increase a little over a year ago,” she added. “Some of our member banks have noticed an uptick again in recent months.”

This concern has been echoed by law enforcement agencies across the state — including in Aurora, where police recently responded to an armed bank robbery that underscored the extent of how… These crimes can escalate quickly.

On Sept. 24, Aurora police were called to a BMO Bank branch after a man pulled a gun on a teller and demanded money.

“A man walked in, went straight to the middle desk, pulled out a gun, put it in an employee’s face and demanded money,” an Aurora Police Department (APD) spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The suspect fled with about $1,000. Investigators identified him as 41-year-old Matthew Brusella, and three days later — with the help of a license plate reader — officers located his vehicle and arrested Brusella without incident.

Although the department does not track bank robbery data separately, overall robberies in the city are down 36.3% year-to-date, along with a 40% increase in arrests, APD said.

The FBI declined to comment, citing the ongoing government shutdown.

When asked what might be fueling this increase, Waller admitted it was a complex problem with no clear cause.

Police search a mall where a Chase Bank was robbed on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at the corner of East Mulberry Street and South Lemay Street in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Timothy Hirst/Colorado)

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“I’ve often wondered if easy access to highways and interstate highways doesn’t help with bank robberies here,” she said. “But I don’t have a solid answer. It may be the economic downturn that triggers it – we’ve seen that in the past.”

Colorado banks are taking proactive steps to deter robberies and protect customers and employees alike. Many of these security upgrades were accelerated by pandemic protocols and continue as a permanent deterrent.

“Banks are very proactive. Our first priority is ensuring the safety of our customers and employees in any case of theft,” Waller said. “One thing we’ve seen implemented…is bank doors will be closed and customers will have to go into the bank. We’ve seen banks continue that as a means of security.”

Banks also rely on technology, including dye packs, advanced cameras, and ongoing employee training. Some establishments have chosen to employ armed guards as an additional deterrent.

Despite the large numbers, most bank robberies in Colorado are not violent, Waller said.

“The majority of burglaries in Colorado and nationally are paper jobs and non-violent burglaries,” Waller explained. “Normally not even a gun is drawn.”

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Vectra Bank on US Highway 50, one of three robbed in Pueblo, Colorado, in April 2023. (Justin Reuter/Pueblo Leader)

However, even non-violent robberies have an emotional impact.

“Bank robbery is not a victimless crime,” Waller said. “Participants—both employees and customers—experience a certain amount of stress, even if it is just a note-taking task.”

While physical Robberies remain a major concern. Fraud and scams are rapidly increasing – particularly related to check laundering schemes and organized crime groups that exploit vulnerable individuals to cash fraudulent checks.

“It surprised me, but we are seeing a rise in old-fashioned check washing,” Waller said. “Law enforcement has identified organized criminal activity behind it.”

In addition to traditional bank robberies, Colorado is beginning to see a serious criminal trend known as “voiding,” which was previously more common in other parts of the country.

“We’re starting to see that in Colorado,” Waller said. “A hit-and-run occurs when someone is robbed after withdrawing money or carrying cash. We remind customers to remain aware of their surroundings and not to leave bank bags in vehicles.”

Banks and law enforcement agencies are responding through public education campaigns focusing on situational awareness and safe cash handling.

Waller credited the FBI and the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force for their strong partnership with financial institutions.

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A person receiving cash from an ATM could be the target of “sorcery.” (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

“The FBI is very helpful,” she said. “The task force does a great job identifying and convicting bank robbers. We are very pleased with the support we are getting.”

Waller noted that historically, about 80% of bank robberies are solved within 24 months, though she emphasized that she does not have a current number.

For customers who may find themselves in a theft situation, Waller offered simple but firm advice.

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“You just have to comply with the robber’s demands immediately,” she advised. “Then, you write down everything you can remember… without talking to anyone else so that no one influences your memory. The most important thing is for the client not to try to interfere.”

As banking crime evolves, Colorado’s financial institutions continue to adapt – balancing technology, vigilance and customer safety.

“The safety of customers and employees is our first priority,” Waller stressed.

While Colorado may not currently top the list of states with the highest number of bank robberies, the rise is new Criminal tactics Fraud schemes remain a concern – something that Colorado’s financial institutions are closely monitoring.

Stephenie Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and immigrant crimes. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.