FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2005
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Senator Waugh Introduces Legislation to Define and Increase the Penalty for Bank Robberies

HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) has introduced Senate Bill 957, which adds a new section to Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes titled "robbery on the premises of a financial institution" and classifies the crime as a first degree felony. 

"I was prompted to introduce this legislation by robberies of financial institutions throughout the state, including several in York County," said Waugh.  "There was concern that sentences for robbery of a financial institution were not uniform, and insufficiently strict to serve as a deterrent." 

Currently, Title 18 has sections pertaining to "robbery" and "robbery of a motor vehicle."  Therefore, bank robberies have simply been grouped with other "robberies," which, if no bodily harm is done but property is taken, are classified as third degree felonies. 

Robert Rupel, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association's Government Relations Policy Committee, expressed concern over the current level of classification of these crimes against financial institutions. 

"Bank robberies have increased steadily in Pennsylvania over the past five years," said Rupel.  "With more of the FBI's resources directed at anti-terrorism efforts, it is important for lawmakers to take action at the state level by increasing penalties for robbing financial institutions." 

SB 957 also addresses instances where the defendant used a note or verbal threat to commit the robbery. Under Senate Bill 957, even if no weapon was used to commit the robbery, a person can be found guilty of the offense if he or she "physically takes or removes property from the person of another by force however slight." 

This legislation is supported by both the Pennsylvania Bankers Association and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.  Included within the definition of "financial institution" are banks and credit unions. 

"The Pennsylvania Bankers Association appreciates and supports Senator Waugh's introduction of this crucial legislation that will enhance the safety of our customers and employees by ensuring that individuals who commit these crimes are properly punished," said Rupel.  "If they do the crime, they should serve the time." 

Mr. Ronald H. Frey, Chairman and CEO of First National Bank in Fleetwood and Larry J. Miller, President and CEO of PeoplesBank, a Codorus Valley Co., also pointed out that the impact of bank robberies is felt beyond the bank or credit union.  The communities in which these crimes occur are also affected.

"Bank robbery is a crime that affects communities across Pennsylvania – urban, suburban and rural," said Frey.  "As Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, we applaud Senator Waugh and the co-sponsors of Senate Bill 957 for introducing this measure that will provide law enforcement in this state with the necessary tools to ensure that bank robbers are prosecuted and that we create the highest deterrent possible against this crime." 

Mr. Miller stated, "Bank robberies are traumatic events that foster a sense of fear in a community, while hurting the area's economic vitality.  It's time to crack down on these crimes, and I thank Senator Waugh for leading this important initiative to make our communities safer." 

SB 957 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.