[aNYCguy]

Where would you hear of it except from friends, since there is no crime? CBS, ABC, NBC?

Yeah, that's where I'd expect to hear about a massive conspiracy to steal gold from individual customers' safe-deposit boxes. Newspapers, also. And magazines. Radio, too. You know, the media in general.

But I guess I should take your friends' word for it?

[nkycincinnatikid]

Your trust in the media is a clue.
Even with your attitude you must have some aquaintances, if not friends, do you talk to them?
For a bank, raiding a safety deposit box has no more consequence than lending a half million dollars to Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse for a one bedroom shack.