STATISTICS INDICATE THAT FROM 1967 TO 1970 THE AVERAGE HOSTAGE CLAIM WAS $22,000. FROM 1971 TO 1972, THE AVERAGE CLAIM INCREASED TO $77,000. DURING THE 5-YEAR PERIOD, ACTUAL LOSSES THROUGH EXTORTION TOTALED $1,672,000. THE INCREASE IN EXTORTION IS CONSIDERED IN LIGHT OF TWO FACTORS: (1) THE MOST FREQUENT TARGET OF THE KIDNAPPER-EXTORTIONIST IS THE BANK EXECUTIVE AND HIS FAMILY AND (2) PROTECTIVE DEVICES THAT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF THE BANK PROTECTION ACT OF 1968 CAN BE AVOIDED BY THE CRIMINAL COMMITTING THE EXTORTION ROBBERY. IN ALMOST EVERY INSTANCE OF EXTORTION BANK ROBBERY, VIOLENCE AGAINST A PERSON OR PERSONS IS THREATENED. SEVERAL SPECIFIC DETERRENT ACTIONS ARE SUGGESTED TO PREVENT ROBBERY BY EXTORTION. THESE ACTIONS INCLUDE WHAT TO DO IN THE CASE OF TELEPHONE THREATS AND WHEN A HOSTAGE IS BROUGHT TO THE BANK PREMISES, AND HOW TO PROVIDE SECURITY AND SAFETY AT HOME, WHILE DRIVING, AND WHILE WALKING AFTER DARK. A CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL INFORMATION FILE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED ON BANK EXECUTIVES FOR THEIR SAFETY. INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR LOSS OF BONDED COMPANIES IS DISCUSSED. (DEP)