Catching bank robbers in a time when everyone is wearing masks More than 20 Arizona banks have been robbed since the beginning of 2020. How is law enforcement catching the thieves? Author: Michael Doudna Updated: 10:18 PM MST April 4, 2021 PHOENIX — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, safety precautions may be helping criminals blend in. “It used to be if you walked into a bank with a mask you were asked to leave. Now if you walk into a bank without a mask you will be asked to leave,” John Iannarelli, a retired FBI Special Agent, said. Based of press releases sent to 12 News there have been at least 24 bank robberies in Arizona since the start of 2020.