SAN DIEGO --
10News has obtained new numbers showing a major spike in the number of bank robberies locally
The trend of serial bank robbers could be one of the main factors.
The woman whom prosecutors call "The Floppy Hat Bandit," Victoria Wilkerson, sobbed in court on Tuesday when the judge denied her jail visitation with her 14-month-old child.
Tellers testified about the note she handed them during one of the three robberies she's charged with committing on May 10.
"20s, 50s, 100s, no dye packs or tracers, and hurry up," a teller testified in court on Tuesday.
"The Floppy Hat Bandit" is just one of several serial bank robbers who have gained local notoriety.
New video released of the "Skateboard Bandit" shows him robbing a bank while trying to hide his identity under a green cap and a bandanna.
The "Ho-Hum Bandit", who was named for his nondescript appearance, is responsible for at least seven robberies in San Diego.
"They account for about 20 percent of all the bank robberies that we've had here in San Diego and Imperial Counties," said FBI Special Agent Darrell Foxworth.
Statistics show that this year to date, there have been 94 bank robberies in San Diego and Imperial Counties combined. Last year at the same time, there were 61. This shows a 54 percent increase.
Foxworth said the weakened economy plays a role but is not the only factor.
"Demographics, weather, location," he said.
Among the serial robbers, perhaps no one has captured more attention than the "Geezer Bandit." To date, he has hit 11 banks, often holding up tellers using a demand note and a gun.
There is still a $16,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the "Geezer Bandit." On Monday, the FBI announced a $15,000 reward in the case of the "Ho-Hum Bandit."
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