ROBBERY AND SERIOUS CRIME SQUAD, AUSTRALIAN BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION JOIN FORCES WITH CRIME STOPPERS FIGHT ARMED ROBBERY ON BANKS. Issued Sunday, 24 November 2002:The newly formed NSW Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) have joined forces with Crime Stoppers to fight violence and armed robbery on banks. The partnership is aimed at providing police with information to seriously disrupt and dismantle the operations of those involved in armed robberies on banks. Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent, Bob Inkster said banks and other financial institutions are experiencing situations where offenders are breaking into premises, and confronting staff during branch opening times. "These armed robberies are often committed with threatened violence, and have a psychological impact on staff and customers alike. "The increased danger to banking staff has prompted an increased focus by banks, financial institutions, and police to reduce the number of incidents and increase the chances of apprehending those responsible. "What I have put in place is that any information given to Crime Stoppers about bank robberies will be sent directly to the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, and we will act immediately," Superintendent Inkster said.  "We have a valuable program in Crime Stoppers which can take confidential information about criminal, or suspicious activity, and where members of the public can receive rewards based on the information they give. "I want to highlight the avenues available to the community so they can assist by giving information about armed robberies. "By taking an aggressive approach and reminding the public of the existence of Crime Stoppers and the ABA Reward Scheme, it might give that extra incentive to pass on valuable information," Superintendent Inkster said. To date there has been 56 recorded armed robberies on banks in 2002, compared with 65 last year. In 2002, 20% of weapons used in armed robberies on banks have involved handguns, 20% have been other types of firearms including shotguns and 20% have involved knives.  The remaining offences have involved syringes, clubs/bars or other implements used as weapons. Detective Superintendent Inkster said the joint effort with the Australian Bankers' Association and Crime Stoppers, will be enhanced by the resources available to the State Crime Command. David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: "The ABA reward scheme involves a reward payment from a bank, or banks to individuals who provide information about an offender's identity and give evidence in court leading to a conviction." "The NSW Police make recommendations for payment under the ABA Reward Scheme and the rewards are paid by the bank, or banks which have been robbed." "The amount of the reward is at the sole discretion of the bank concerned but there is a maximum $10,000 for each payment." For further details on how to provide information which may lead to the arrest of suspects, please contact the Robbery and Serious Crime Team at the State Crime Command on 02 9384 6677 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  All information will be treated with the strictest confidence. ____________________________________________________________________ Issued by:   NSW Police and the Australian Bankers' Association Authorised by: Detective Superintendent Bob Inkster, Robbery and Serious Crime Squad. Media inquiries: NSW Police call Police Media (02) 9265-4200 ABA call Heather Wellard  0409 830 439