FBI and Bankers to Use Web Site to Fight Bank Robbers

The FBI and the North Carolina Bankers Association have joined forces to launch a new weapon to wage war on bank robbers. In December 2009, the FBI and NCBA unveiled a new web site, www.ncbankrobbers.com, as way to quickly get the word out when a bank robbery occurs. The web site is designed to provide information about the cases by including photographs, videos and other important details about the robbery. When the new web site was launched, officials expressed the hope it would reduce bank robberies. The SVP and Regulatory Counsel with the North Carolina Bankers Association said, "We hoped the web site would increase the odds against bank robbers. But the results have exceeded our expectations. It looks like we're on to something." The SVP is referring to the recent arrest of the so-called "Bearcat Bandit." According to press reports, only minutes after he attempted a robbery at a BB&T office in Mocksville, NC, last Christmas Eve, a witness recognized the robber from the newly-launched website and called the police. The robber was promptly arrested at a local gas station and now faces multiple state and federal changes. The arrest of the Bearcat Bandit made him the fifth suspect featured on the website to be captured since the website was launched less than 60 days ago.  Check out Security Magazine on the Web for other Web-based tools. Use the archive at www.securitymagazine.com