The Times News

Fatalities Of Bank Robbers Show Increase And Robberies Slightly Fewer, Bankers In Conference Told

HOT SPRINGS, Ark., April 18. (UP).-The robbery menace was brought to the attention of the executive council of the American Bankers association yesterday in a report which showed that 37 persons were killed and 73 wounded, and $1,257,000 in loot stolen over a recent six months period. James E. Baum, New York, in charge of the bankers' protective department, said that during the six months ended February 28, 1934, there was a reduction in the number of bank robberies. "One reason for this was that there were some 3000 or 4000 fewer banks to be shot up or burglarized during that period. Another factor is the number of bank robbers put out of circulation, either slain or imprisoned," Baum said. He listed Ford Bradshaw, Newton Clanton, Charles Cotner, Clifford Harback, Robert Trollinger, Wilbur Underhill, Glen Roy Wright and others as among the public enemies disposed of. During the six-months period, 188 banks were looted in daylight holdups and 29 in night burglaries. A total of 217 victims compared with 340 the previous period. Loot amounted to $1,257,000, compared with $1,407,000 the previous period. Three employees, two bystanders, eight arresting officers and 24 criminals were killed during (Continued on page four).

FATALITIES OF BANK
ROBBERS INCREA
(Continued from page one)
In the six months the number of bandits killed was 11, bystanders 17, and bank officers and employees 11. Total 39.
This compares with 120 to previous period.
"Bandits will find it more difficult to get away with their loot. Bank banditry appears to have reached its peak. Most of the robberies are executed with little display of resistance. In seven instances one employee was in the bank at the time of the robbery. In six cases, the lone employee was a woman.
"The bandits' greatest allies lie in a small number of employees being on hand, and in towns of less than 10,000 population."
Baum said the banks' fight to crime had advanced 300 per cent for 12 years. Banks paid $20,000,000 for its coverage against crime. He recommended bullet cages for employees, tear gas systems, silent alarms, time locks, greater vigilance on the part of authorities, and better equipment and modernized criminal laws, as means of abating the menace.