Police Worry 'Public Enemies' Inspires Bank Robberies

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis police are concerned that a recent spate of bank robberies might be connected to the recent release of the movie "Public Enemies," which tells the story of John Dillinger, a renowned bank robber who was raised in central Indiana.

Bank robberies in Indianapolis, while down significantly from 2008, are up 50 percent in the last two weeks, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

Police voiced their concern on Friday, a day after a postal carrier was seriously wounded when he was shot after encountering a suspected bank robber who was fleeing the scene.

"It is a concern that we've had four robberies in the last two-week period," said Lt. Jeff Duhamell. "It seems like a big increase. It's a possibility of copycats, and we are always aware of that kind of situation."

Police said they think the movie serves to romanticize the gangster lifestyle of Dillinger and could inspire crime.

"I think given the times of the day, the family constraints, some people, they do desperate things and take desperate measures," Duhamell said.