Sharp rise in bank robberies in Argentina

Bank holdups in Argentina have increased by almost 10% between January and May 2001 compared to the same period in 2000, and amounts stolen were 25% higher, according to Sasetech, a local private security consulting firm. By June 7, 2001, 96 banks had been held up against 83 in 2000. Most of the holdups took place in areas surrounding Buenos Aires near highways that make escape easier. However, quite a few of them occurred in Buenos Aires itself, and even in down town areas characterised by heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.