How the FBI Stopped Colorado’s Nation-Leading Bank Robbery Spree
While they may seem like a long-forgotten exploit of our Wild West history, bank robberies are a big problem in Colorado right now. Over the past few years, the local FBI office has cracked down and cut our annual bank robbery total from a nation-leading 191 in 2021 to 104 in 2023. But that still ranks Colorado third in the country behind Illinois and California! So why is this particular crime so prevalent here? And what does a modern bank robbery even look like? Host Bree Davies sits down with Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver office, to understand how he’s working with Denver metro area police to stop bank robberies.
Mark talked about Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, a program that community members can contact any time if they have information on unsolved crimes in the area. Bree mentioned the recent local case of the “penguin bandit.”
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm
Why do you think so many bank robberies happen in Colorado? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode:
- Meow Wolf - Use code 4PACK at checkout when you purchase your tickets online.
- PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery
- Denver Health
- University of Denver
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Senator Michael Bennet on Housing Affordability, Redistricting, and How He’s Different From Gov. Polis
Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in congress since 2009. Now, the U.S. senator is running for governor – and is in the midst of a...
Attorney General Phil Weiser on Data Center Moratoriums, Bike Lanes, and His Run for Governor
Governor Jared Polis is serving his final term and the Democratic primary race to replace him is heated. Attorney General Phil Weiser joi...
UMS or Blucifer's First Rodeo? Plus, Bike Fest, CD1 Primary Challengers, and More From the Mailbag!
Host Bree Davies and Producer Olivia Jewell Love are opening up the City Cast Denver mailbag to hear listeners’ thoughts on everything fr...
Where Denver Falls in the Harm Reduction Conversation
When it comes to numbers, the story of drug-related overdose deaths in America is simple. They increased slowly and steadily through the...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denver recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city po...
Council Loses a Progressive Champion, Gay Bar Turtle Drama, and the Summer Mosquito Forecast
The Colfax staple Charlie’s got into trouble this week after a video posted to social media showed six little turtles “racing” on the leg...
Wanda James on Working for Barack Obama, Being Censured, and Running for Congress
Diana DeGette has been representing Denver in congress since 1997, winning reelection 14 times in nearly 30 years on the job. The 1st Con...
Melat Kiros on Money in Politics, Antisemitism, and Her Run for Congress
Could Denver see a new face in congress in 2026? Diana DeGette has held the 1st Congressional District seat for nearly thirty years, hand...
Will the Broncos Stadium Actually Get Built By 2030? Plus, AI Backlash in Englewood and Which Congressperson Snubbed Us?
Last week the City of Englewood shared a video about the work they are doing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But the municipality was...
Your Guide to June 2026 in Denver
The sun is out, and we’re ready to take a dip! From a cool way to rent a boat to the best spots to get in – or near – the water on a day...