Bank robberies in New York have risen 54 % compared with last year . A rash of bank robberies in New York has the city 's police commissioner worried that criminals have turned banks into `` virtual cash machines '' and some wondering whether tough economic times are fueling the trend . On Monday alone , robbers targeted five banks , some striking in broad daylight . NYPD : Not clear whether the bad economic conditions are causing the spike . Expert and law - enforcement citizens are turning to crime to make ends meet .
Bank robberies in New York have risen 54 % compared with last year . On Monday alone , robbers targeted five banks , some striking in broad daylight . NYPD : Not clear whether the bad economic conditions are causing the spike . Expert and law - enforcement citizens are turning to crime to make ends meet .