FBI Warns of Surge in Winter Bank Robberies

Image: Security footage of an armed robbery at a Suntrust Bank in Sterling on Oct. 31.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is anticipating a surge in bank robberies during this year’s holiday season.

According to the FBI, about a quarter of all bank robberies in the D.C. and Northern Virginia area during the past two years took place in the month of December.

Of the 17 bank robberies committed in the area last December, 13 have been solved. Most of the robberies were committed by crews of robbers or by one robber who targeted more than one bank, according to authorities.

To help prevent bank robberies this year, the FBI has teamed up with police departments in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Alexandria, Arlington County, Falls Church, Fairfax city, Fairfax County, Herndon, Leesburg and Vienna, sheriff’s offices in Fauquier County and Loudoun County and Virginia State police.

• More at Patch: Watch - Sheriff’s Office Releases Bank Robbery Video (Nov. 6, 2014)

Local police departments plan to visit banks that “may be susceptible to a bank robbery based on past history,” according to a news release. Members of the Violent Crimes Task Forces are working with personnel from financial institutions to prevent a rise in bank robberies by providing educational sessions for tellers and meeting with bank security personnel. The FBI Washington Field Office will help local officials conduct “enhanced patrols” of regional banks, according to the release.

Authorities are requesting the public’s assistance in being alert to suspicious activity in or around banks and reporting such activity to bank security officers or law enforcement. The FBI offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of bank robbers.

Photos and descriptions of suspects who have robbed banks in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia can be found at bankrobbers.fbi.gov.