FBI Chicago Sees Bank Robberies in City, Suburbs Plummet in 2024
New Data Shows Sharp Decline in Bank Robberies
New data shared with WGN News from the FBI’s Chicago field office shows a major drop in the number of bank robberies that happened last year in both city limits and throughout the suburbs within the field office’s geographic area.
City and Suburban Numbers Mirror Similar Pattern
According to the data, there were 62 bank robberies in Chicago in 2023 compared to 31 in 2024, a sharp decline of 50%.
The number of bank robberies reported across the region also mirrored a similar pattern, with the city and suburbs combined experiencing close to a 50 percent drop in the numbers. Overall, there were between 55 and 60 bank robberies reported in 2024, compared to just under 115 in 2023.
Supervisory Special Agent Jeremy Resar Discusses Trends
On Wednesday, Supervisory Special Agent Jeremy Resar with the FBI Chicago Violent Crimes Task Force spoke with WGN News about the trends they are seeing. He said it is difficult to pinpoint the exact driving factor for the decline in bank robberies, but noted the current numbers are like what they saw during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solution Rate Reflects Interagency Cooperation
The solution rate reflects the number of suspects identified and referred for prosecutorial review by the agency.
In 2024, at least 95% of suspects involved in bank robberies in Chicago have been identified, according to the FBI.
“By our stats right now, what we’re looking at, we’re literally – there’s one bank robbery that we haven’t solved from last year,” Resar said. “We have over 85% of them in custody, so they’ve been arrested and they’re off the streets.”
Public Assistance and Interagency Cooperation Key to Solving Cases
Resar attributes the interagency cooperation among local, county, state and federal agencies as playing a crucial role in solving cases. He said their partnership with CPD’s Mass Transit unit has been significant in helping to identify and track down suspects.
“We see some bank robbers that are utilizing trains and buses to make their escape; that’s not particularly effective, but it’s something that those communications have been absolutely key and essential in the work that we’ve done,” Resar said.
According to Resar, the public has also been integral in helping provide tips that have played a role in solving cases.
Crimes Often Come with Little Financial Gain
The crimes often come with little financial gain but a massive price to pay when it comes to time served, if convicted.
“I think it’s an overwhelming message that this is just not a wise crime to commit; both in terms of the fact that you’re likely going to get caught, and in terms of the take that we’re seeing,” Resar said.
On a National Scale
Over the last two decades, the number of bank robberies has declined dramatically, data released by the FBI shows.
According to a report shared Wednesday by the National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA), a nonprofit organization, 2023 had the lowest number of bank robberies reported to the FBI nationwide since before 1990.
In its annual bank crime report for 2023, the FBI saw its first year with no deaths, of either victims or suspects, that resulted from bank robberies. The agency has not released its statistics for 2024, so it is not yet clear if it will follow the previous years’ pattern.
Conclusion
The FBI’s Chicago field office is encouraged by the progress being made on several fronts, but emphasizes that even one crime is too many. The agency continues to work hard to take violent criminals off the streets and to bring those responsible for bank robberies to justice.
FAQs
Q: What is the current solution rate for bank robberies in Chicago?
A: At least 95% of suspects involved in bank robberies in Chicago have been identified, according to the FBI.
Q: How many bank robberies occurred in Chicago in 2024?
A: There were 31 bank robberies reported in Chicago in 2024, a 50% decline from the previous year.
Q: What is the FBI’s goal in addressing bank robberies?
A: The FBI’s goal is to take violent criminals off the streets and to bring those responsible for bank robberies to justice, while also providing a safe and secure environment for the public.
Q: How can the public help in solving bank robberies?
A: The public can help by providing tips and information to the FBI or local law enforcement agencies. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
