How many bank robberies in the UK are successful?

Over the past few decades, bank robberies have become far less frequent and severe. Back in the 1990s, bank robberies, particularly in the capital and other major cities, were nearly a daily occurrence. More recently however, this has fallen to under 60 a year on average across the whole of the UK.

So, how many bank robberies are successful and how much money are the robbers stealing?

How much money are bank robbers stealing?

A study analysing 364 attempted bank robberies in the UK between 2005 and 2008 found that approximately one third produced no financial gain for the criminals. With returns from robberies decreasing, and the security measures becoming ever more robust, bank robbers these days are often opportunistic, desperate, or both. That said, the average amount stolen was £20,331 in 2012, a figure which is believed to have remained remarkably stable despite inflation.

The relatively low number of bank robberies that now take place means that single, more ingenious crimes, such as criminals disguising themselves as G4S staff on a pick-up, that secure relatively high amounts distort the overall average. In reality, the amount being successfully stolen is often significantly less than the average. With the returns becoming relatively modest, and the risk of being caught increased, bank robbery is no longer a get rich scheme for career criminals.

Increased risk of getting caught

Bank robbers have never been more likely to be caught, with the chances of being apprehended rising significantly with each attempt. Police are able to build up their data with each attempted robbery, with the chance of getting caught hitting 59% by the fourth attempt. This increased likelihood of getting caught has all but eliminated the career bank robber who could, over a period of time, amass significant amounts of money.

With the statistics looking so unpromising for the bank robbers, knowing how often bank robberies are successful is likely to be a deterrent in itself for many would-be criminals.

Improved security, law enforcement, and the cashless economy

Three factors have combined to make such a dramatic reduction to the number of attempted bank robberies in the UK, and their overall likelihood of success. Enhanced security measures in banks, better law enforcement with advances in forensic science, and a shift towards cashless transactions are making bank robberies increasingly rare and much less lucrative for criminals.

While bank robberies in the UK have historically offered some financial gain to perpetrators, the success rates have diminished significantly due to enhanced security measures, a shift towards cashless transactions, and improved law enforcement techniques. The substantial decline in the number of bank robberies over the past two decades reflects these changes, making such crimes increasingly rare.

Protecting your bank and your team from the threat of robbery

While bank robberies are now much less likely to be successful, banks and other financial institutions still need to be proactive when it comes to security. The significant decrease in bank robberies over recent years is largely down to increased security, as well as dwindling returns for the robbers. But the criminals still exist, and it’s important to be prepared.

Safetell has provided the banking industry with reliable, adaptable protection for decades. Our screens are highly adaptable and can be designed to match your aesthetic and accommodate any counter accessories you desire without compromising the safety of your establishment or staff.

Safetell screens provide Manual Attack and Ballistic resistance protection. We also offer speed gates to protect your bank from unauthorised access.

If you would like to know more, get in touch with Safetell.