FBI says bank robberies across Northern California District down in 2015

UPDATE 12/30/15 5:50 p.m.:

The FBI says the number of bank robberies in our area has been going down, but it’s still asking for the public’s help in solving several cases on the Central Coast.

In 2013, the FBI investigated 229 bank robberies across Northern California, including the Central Coast. This year, it’s 102 bank robberies. However, authorities still need help cracking several open cases and are offering up to $10,000 to anyone who has information that leads to the apprehension and prosecution of the suspects involved.

In June, authorities say three armed suspects wearing masks robbed a Wells Fargo Bank in Greenfield. They took off in a green van.

There was a similar situation at a Salinas Wells Fargo Bank in November. Authorities say three men wearing hoodies, bright safety vests and painter’s masks were violent. They took people hostage and threatened their lives before taking off with cash. While three people were seen, authorities believe more people were involved.

Another case authorities need help with is a bank robbery that happened in Santa Cruz County. Liberty Bank in Felton was robbed in July. The lone suspect, described as a white man who may be left-handed, threatened customers and staff before forcing them into a vault.

Despite needing the public’s help solving these cases, authorities have made arrests in other high-profile cases. That includes catching the man dubbed “Mrs. Doubtfire” because he dressed as a woman. Brandon Calontoc was convicted earlier this year after robbing a bank in Santa Cruz.

ORIGINAL POST:

For a second year in a row, the FBI says the number of bank robberies in the Northern California District are down. According to statistics released on Wednesday, there have been 102 bank robberies in 2015. In 2014, there were 152 bank robberies and in 2013, there were a reported 229 bank robberies.

However, there are still bank robbery suspects on the loose. The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the suspects responsible for robbing a Salinas Wells Fargo. Authorities say on Nov. 9, three men burst into the bank on Natividad Road and demanded money, while threatening to hurt the customers and employees in the branch. They were last seen driving away from the bank in a dark-colored sedan.

NewsChannel 5 will have more on this story coming up tonight.