AUSTIN, Texas — Police are dealing with an uptick in bank robberies so far this year. There are a total of 11 so far this year in Austin, compared to three during the same time period in 2017, where the total was 18. 

“Eleven is a high number for this year so of course APD takes this very seriously,” said Officer Destiny Winston. “We respond as soon as possible, we gather all the information on scene, and we hope that the information provided will ultimately lead to an arrest.”

A person of interest is now under arrest in connection to Monday morning’s robbery of Plains Capital Bank in Northwest Austin. Police say at around 10 a.m., the man demanded cash and left with an undisclosed amount of money. He was last seen fleeing on foot. APD tells Spectrum News the same man may be responsible for other bank robberies this year. 

“We believe the 11 have been committed by a series of three or four individuals,” said Lt. Jason Staniszewski of the Austin Police Department. 

There are still five unsolved bank robberies cases, and Staniszewski said police are looking for two people who may be related. Law enforcement officials still cannot determine why there is an increase, but encourage civilians to take precautions in case they encounter a robbery. 

“The best thing is to try to create the amount of time that you’re involved with this robbery as short as possible,” Staniszewski said. “Always cooperate, don’t antagonize.” 

Police said it is just a matter of time before perpetrators gets caught. 

“Don’t do it, plain and simple. There’s other ways. (There are) other resources. You can go out there and get a job,” Winston said. “If finances are the concern in the motivation, utilize the resources that are in your community.”