Where Have Denmark's Bank Robbers Gone?

There was not a single bank robbery in Denmark last year. 

Here's why. 

Back in 2000, there were 221 bank robberies in Denmark, or one for every day that branches were open. But since 2017, there have been fewer than 10 robberies a year, and in 2022 -zero. It's because hardly anyone is using cash anymore and less cash services means less loot for bank robbers. You can't rob a bank that doesn't have any money. There has also been a sharp reduction in the number of cashiers in Denmark. Only around 20 branches still have staff handling deposits, as most customers now prefer to use ATMs. 

Another fact is the increase in camera surveillance, improved alarm systems and stronger bank cooperation with the police. To put this into context, US banks suffered 1724 robberies in 2021 according to the FBI's bank crime statistics. That's down from 7556 in 2004. 

Bank robberies might be decreasing in most countries around the world, but the move to digital banking has led to an increase in other types of financial crimes, such as hacks and phishing scams.