17 Apr 2018 | 07:32 AM UTC
Jordan: Multiple bank robberies in 2018
At least four banks robbed at gunpoint in Amman in 2018 amid overall spike in crime levels
Event
Four armed robberies targeting banks in Amman have taken place this year as of mid-April. In January, two Société Générale branches were robbed. In early April, two branches of Arab Bank were targeted. More than JOD 10,000 (USD 14,100) were stolen in each incident. All suspected robbers were apprehended shortly after the heists. According to police officials, crime levels have increased across the city, including drug trafficking and gang activity.
Context
Armed bank robberies are normally very uncommon in Jordan; government critics attribute the rise in crime to a deteriorating economy.
Advice
Individuals in Amman are advised to remain vigilant, only keep small amounts of cash on hand, conceal signs of wealth as much as possible, and only use ATMs located within banks or other secure areas off the street.
