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December 16, 2024

How the FBI Stopped Colorado’s Nation-Leading Bank Robbery Spree

City Cast Denver

How the FBI Stopped Colorado’s Nation-Leading Bank Robbery Spree

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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.

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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

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