There?s been an uptick in bank robberies across southwestern Connecticut in recent months, in part because it?s easier for a robber to flee with money than in years past, Fairfield police say.

Sgt. James Perez, of the Fairfield Police Department, says banks are easier targets than they were decades ago because there are more bank branches around that are open longer, most of the money stolen from banks is never recovered and bank employees are usually compliant.

Police also say people have become more desperate during the current recession.

However, Perez says three out of four bank robbers are eventually caught.