The most recent annual bank crime figures from the Federal Bureau of Investigations show a continuing trend toward fewer crimes. The FBI reports a total of 5,093 robberies, burglaries, larcenies and extortions in 2011. This number is down significantly from a few years ago.

In 2003, 2004 and 2006, there were well over 7,000 banks crimes each year. In 2005, there were nearly 7,000 such crimes. But the numbers have been declining steadily since then. In 2008, there were 6,700 crimes; in 2009, there were 5,943; and in 2010 there were 5,546. The figures seem to debunk the common myth that bank crimes increase during recessions and times of economic difficulty.

In 2011, loot was taken in 89 percent of the cases, totaling some $38 million. More than $8 million of that was recovered. Acts of violence were part of 201 of the crimes, including 70 instances involving the discharge of a firearm, and 116 assaults. Eighty-eight people were injured, 13 killed and 30 taken hostage.

Friday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. was the most likely time that crimes took place.

These statistics do not track computer crimes against financial institutions.