Robbers have targeted credit unions 151 times so far in 2011, according to the FBI's Bank Crime Statistics Reports.

By comparison, robbers hit banks 1,891 times, savings and loans 37 times and mutual savings banks nine times.

So far this year, money has been taken from 90% of the financial institutions robbed and has totaled roughly $15.3 million. Of that, $3.5 million or roughly 22% has been recovered, the bureau reported.

The data showed that the most popular day among bank robbers to hit financial institutions so far this year has been Fridays and the most popular time between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Robbers used notes to demand cash 1,159 times this year and made an oral demand 1,173 times. They brandished firearms 543 times. A handgun was the firearm used in the vast majority of robberies involving a firearm, the FBI reported.

Violence in the course of a robbery has taken place 88 times or in roughly 4% of the crimes. Thirty financial institution employees have been injured in the course of robberies so far this year, and nine customers and 16 employees have been taken hostage, as have three customers.

So far this year, no employees or customers have died in robberies, though four apparent robbers have.

Instant Insights /

Robbers Hit CUs More Than 150 Times So Far This Year

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