Bank crime is down in 2011 from 2010, with nearly 600 fewer violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute reported, according to the bank crime statistics, released today by the FBI.

Between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011, there were 5,014 robberies, 60 burglaries, 12 larcenies, and seven extortions of financial institutions reported to law enforcement, according to an FBI press release. The total 5,093 reported violations represent a decrease from 2010, during which 5,641 violations of the statute were reported.

Highlights of the report include:

• Of the 5,086 total reported bank robberies, burglaries, and larcenies, loot was taken in 4,534 incidents (89 percent). Loot was taken during two of the seven reported bank extortions.
• The total amount taken was valued at more than $38 million. More than $8 million was recovered and returned to financial institutions.
• During the reported bank robberies, burglaries, and larcenies, the following modus operandi were the most common: demand note (2,958 incidents); oral demand (2,678 incidents); weapon threatened (2,331 incidents); and firearm used (1,242 incidents). Of the seven reported extortions, perpetrators used or threatened the use of explosive devices during one incident and made threats by telephone during four incidents.
• Acts of violence were committed during 201 of the reported robberies, burglaries, and larcenies. These acts included 70 instances involving the discharge of firearms, 116 instances involving assaults, and one instance involving an explosive device. No acts of violence occurred during the seven reported bank extortions.
• Acts of violence during the reported robberies, burglaries, and larcenies resulted in 88 injuries, 13 deaths, and 30 persons being taken hostage. No injuries, deaths, or hostage takings occurred during the reported bank extortions.
• Most violations occurred on Friday. Regardless of the day of the week, violations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. were the most common.
• Most violations occurred in the Southern region of the U.S., with 1,576 reported incidents.