When you picture a bank heist in your mind? What do you see? Masked gunmen burst through the doors, shouting demands and waving guns and grenades. Maybe it’s the opening scene from The Dark Knight?
Well, that dramatic Hollywood imagery is pretty far off from how most real-life bank robberies go down these days.
The FBI says bank robberies have dropped dramatically over recent decades. And in the rare instances they do occur, only around 3% turn violent.
As author Walt Hickey outlines in his book "You Are What You Watch", the blaring alarms and obvious security cameras we associate with banks don't deter robbers. He argues half of those security theatrics are just to give the public a sense that serious measures are in place.
The reality is, that most modern bank robberies are pretty anti-climactic affairs. According to a recent report from Marketplace, the typical approach is for the thief to simply slip a handwritten note to the teller, make a demand, and calmly walk out with around $9,000 in cash.
It's not like the movies or TV shows.
No weaponry, no ski masks, and no scenes of panic. Just a quiet exchange and exit before law enforcement can respond.
As a guy who grew up loving crime media, it's kinda disappointing and a good thing.
At least fewer people are caught in the crossfire.
I'm James Brown, and as always, be well.
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