INLAND EMPIRE--Bank robbers are stepping up their activities in spite of greater security.

In the second Riverside County robbery this week, a man wearing a short sleeve shirt with 'Palm Springs' written on the front struck the Canyon National Bank late Wednesday.

Bank robbers became more active across Riverside and San Bernardino counties in 2008. They struck at 78 locations compared to 69 the year before.

The number of Inland Empire bank robberies fell to 57 in 2005 for a thirty year low.

Many robbers use demand notes while others strike in ‘take-over’ style. Investigators believe the poor economy is putting more thieves to work.

Story Date: January 12, 2009