Bank Robbery

Conquer the 'Bank Robbery' street crime in L.A. Noire. Neutralize armed robbers and protect civilians in this tactical, marksmanship-focused combat scenario.

Bank Robbery Street Crime Guide

The "Bank Robbery" street crime is a high-octane combat scenario that tests your tactical prowess and marksmanship. Unlike many other street crimes in L.A. Noire, this one is purely focused on neutralizing a significant threat with minimal investigation. Your primary objective is to eliminate all armed robbers while ensuring the safety of civilians and your fellow officers. This guide will walk you through the most effective strategies to clear the bank and emerge victorious.

Mission Briefing & Initial Approach

Upon receiving the dispatch call, proceed immediately to the bank location. As you approach, you'll notice a heavy police presence already establishing a perimeter. Your role is to lead the charge into the building. There are no pre-mission preparations required, but ensure your sidearm (typically the Colt M1911A1) is fully loaded, and you have a good understanding of the game's cover mechanics.

• Location: Varies, but typically a large, ornate bank building in a busy district.
• Objective: Neutralize all armed bank robbers.
• Reward: Standard Street Crime XP and contribution to overall case progression.

Phase 1: Clearing the Main Bank Floor

As you enter the bank, you'll be immediately thrust into a chaotic firefight. The main floor is a large, open area with numerous architectural features that can be used for cover. Expect multiple armed robbers, typically wielding Tommy Guns or Shotguns, making them dangerous at close to medium range.

Tactical Advice:

• Immediate Cover: As soon as you breach the entrance, take cover behind the large pillars or the reception desk directly in front of you. Do not rush into the open.
• Enemy Types: Expect 5-7 robbers on the main floor. They are moderately armored and aggressive. Prioritize targets that are actively firing or are in exposed positions.
• Weapon Choice: Your standard service pistol is effective, but if you've acquired a Shotgun or a Thompson Submachine Gun from previous street crimes or cases, these will be invaluable for clearing rooms quickly. The Shotgun is particularly devastating at close range.
• Prioritize Headshots: Aim for headshots whenever possible. This conserves ammunition and neutralizes threats much faster than body shots, especially against multiple targets.
• use Squad Mates: Your AI partners will engage targets. Use their suppressive fire to your advantage, flanking enemies while they are distracted. However, do not rely solely on them; you are the primary damage dealer.
• Civilian Safety: Be extremely mindful of civilian hostages. They will often be cowering behind counters or near pillars. Avoid indiscriminate fire. A single civilian casualty will result in a penalty to your case rating. Use precise shots and avoid spraying bullets.
• Cover-to-Cover Movement: Advance cautiously, moving from one piece of cover to the next. Pillars, counters, and overturned furniture are your best friends.
• Enemy Spawn Patterns: Robbers will often emerge from side offices, behind the main counter, or from the upper balcony if the bank has one. Keep an eye on your mini-map for red enemy indicators.

Recommended Engagement Strategy:

1. Entry Point: Take cover immediately to the left or right of the main entrance.
2. Initial Targets: Engage the robbers directly across from you, often positioned behind the main teller counter.
3. Left Flank: Once the immediate threats are down, move along the left side of the bank, using the pillars for cover. Clear any robbers hiding in offices or alcoves.
4. Right Flank: Repeat the process on the right side.
5. Center Sweep: Finally, sweep the central area, ensuring no robbers are left hiding.

Phase 2: The Vault Area Confrontation

Once the main floor is clear, your squad mates will indicate that more robbers are holed up near the vault. This area is typically more confined, leading to intense close-quarters combat.

Tactical Advice:

• Narrow Corridors: The path to the vault often involves narrow corridors or smaller rooms. This limits flanking opportunities but also funnels enemies.
• Grenades (if available): If you have acquired any grenades (e.g., from previous street crimes or specific cases), this is an excellent opportunity to use them. Toss one into the vault entrance or a confined room where multiple robbers are clustered to clear them out quickly and safely.
• Shotgun Advantage: A shotgun is exceptionally effective here due to the close-quarters nature of the fight. One well-placed shot can neutralize a robber instantly.
• Piecemeal Engagement: Do not rush the vault entrance. Peek around corners, take a shot, and immediately retreat to cover. Engage one or two enemies at a time if possible.
• Last Stand: Expect the remaining robbers to make a desperate last stand. They may be more aggressive or attempt to flank you if the layout allows.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them:

• Rushing In: The biggest mistake players make is rushing into the bank without taking cover. This will quickly lead to being overwhelmed by enemy fire.
• Ignoring Cover: L.A. Noire's combat heavily relies on cover. Always be behind something solid when not actively shooting or moving.
• Friendly Fire/Civilian Casualties: Be precise with your shots. The game punishes you for hitting civilians or your own officers.
• Ammunition Management: While ammo is generally plentiful, relying solely on body shots will deplete your reserves quickly. Aim for headshots to conserve bullets.

Conclusion

Once all robbers are neutralized, the street crime will conclude automatically. There are no clues to find or interrogations to conduct in this particular scenario, as it is purely a combat challenge. Successfully completing the "Bank Robbery" contributes to your overall street crime completion and detective rating.