The European Banking Federation published its latest Report on Bank Robberies. Based on the contributions submitted by national banking associations, the Report analyses the situation in European countries and other industrialised States, such as Canada or Japan. The Report aims to detect the general tendencies in the field of bank security, as well as the new developments and the measures for counteracting.

It is important to note that the drop in the number of robberies that had been initiated in 2005 continued in 2006, with a 5% decrease in the overall number of attacks. This may be due to the fact that in most countries the number of branches continues to fall, in favour of the use of electronic banking. The trend of installing money boxes in shops or publics areas is also increasing. Furthermore, cash handling is more and more often outsourced to specialised companies, not only for efficiency or cost reasons but also in view of the security risks.

Nonetheless, even though total losses were significantly lower, the average booty is rather stable and still high. In 2006, total losses decreased by 2% as compared to 2005 but the average loss per successful raid increased slightly. “The problem of robberies is constant and will remain as long as money exists, declared Guido Ravoet, Secretary General of the EBF. It is crucial that we bring together all
stakeholders and establish sound co-operation procedures to limit risks and negative consequences in terms of losses of course but most of all in terms of danger to employees and clients”.

Risks related to robberies are generally evolving. Traditional ways of operating are still used but new ones are developing. There is a focus of criminal activities on ATM-centred raids. Furthermore, a striking development is that some countries have to cope with increasingly of violent ways of operating. The use of violence is reported in nearly every country, committed both by amateurs and by professionals. In parallel, victims support is provided for both staff and customers in almost every country.

Overall 2006 statistics show that by far and away, most raids take place during normal office/cash hours (93%). Although the total number of hold-ups involving kidnapping remains very low in Europe, it seems to be rising constantly. Security officers must try to anticipate new threats and limit risks as much as possible, especially for the bank’s employees and clients. The EBF recommends specific measures to limit the risks and to counter attacks. The most effective measure to fight bank robberies is naturally police intervention.