Is a sinking economy leading to a rise in crime?

CLEVELAND -- Everyday we hear about more job losses and a sinking economy, but are desperate times leading more people to commit crimes?

By most accounts, it's as much a suburban problem as it is in the inner city.

But what are the true statistics and are you more likely to become a victim of a property crime because of the economy or is it the regular ebb and flow of these particular crimes?

The 2008 numbers aren't available, but glance at the suburban police blotters and you'll see a lot of thefts, burglaries, break-ins, wallets and vehicles gone missing, and doors kicked in.

Lakewood convenience store manger Tammey Wagner was robbed for the first time in the store's history last Friday.

"I was shook up, but I'm ok now," Wagner said.

The thief surprised her at closing time. He showed her a gun and demanded cash.

Wagner said it is one of her regular customers down on his luck.

"I blame Christmas and the poor economy," she said.

The number of bank robberies for the city of Cleveland stayed the same compared to last year, but that's not the trend nationwide.

"We've certainly seen a rise in bank robberies across the country particularly in our metropolitan areas. The bank robbery rate has risen dramatically," FBI Special Agent Scott Wilson said.

Special Agent Wilson said, while the number of bank robberies in Cleveland did not increase, half of those committed this year happened in the last four months.

"They're very desperate folks that rob banks and we see this quite often where the desperation over comes them and they rob a bank," he said.

Special Agent Wilson said another alarming statistic new this year is that in more bank robberies than ever the suspects are using weapons.

In a good or bad economy, the same holds true.

If you're a victim of robbery don't take any actions other than what you're told to do and always be aware of your surroundings and who may be within striking distance of you.