The FBI has launched a Web site to stem the increase in regional bank robberies, particularly violent heists involving multiple gunmen. The site, bankbandits.org allows the public to check out suspects who were caught on surveillance tape during robberies of banks in D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland. The agents hope that the public will recognize the suspect and call or click on a link to report a tip online.
Local police departments have also clicked on the Web site to gather information to help solve three robberies recently, said Special Agent Jeffrey Cisar.
“Tying crimes together is much faster using the Web site,” said Cisar. “The days of phone calls and faxes are over with.”
Cisar came up with the idea for the site last year when the FBI failed to get a single tip after posting a clear and distinctive picture of a square-headed, gun-toting suspect with the news media.
dc examiNation and poll: What do you think about the new FBI Web site set up to catch bank robbers?
