Starlet Bandit robs two San Fernando Valley banks, latest of 10 heists

(FBI)

A female bank robber that authorities have dubbed the "Starlet Bandit" struck at two San Fernando Valley banks on Thursday, bringing her total number of heists to 10 since March, according to the FBI.

The woman approached a teller at Chase Bank in North Hills, 9154 Sepulveda Blvd., at 9:32 a.m. with a note that said: "Give me all you have, no dye packs," said Laura Eimiller, FBI spokeswoman.

She also threatened to harm customers if the teller did not comply with the demands, Eimiller said.

A little more than an hour later, at 10:47 a.m., Eimiller said the same woman approached a teller at Citibank in Woodland Hills, 21945 Erwin St. with a note that read: "Put all the money from your drawer in the bag, no dye packs. Do not step away from the counter or I will harm customers. Thanks."

The woman was described as "chunky" or "chubby," in her late 20s or early 30s, with a light complexion and blonde hair worn up. She was also described as having a red ponytail with blonde highlights.

In surveillance footage released by Citibank, she was seen wearing her signature large black sunglasses. She was wearing an Ecko Unlimited brand T-shirt under a zippered hooded sweatshirt and carrying a cell phone and black purse.

The heists came just two days after the woman robbed a Citibank in Granada Hills, 16800 Devonshire, at 10:00a.m. Tuesday. A teller was passed a note that read similar to other robberies. No weapon seen, but the robber threatened to harm customers, Eimiller said.

The Starlet Bandit is now believed to be responsible for 10 robberies including banks in Van Nuys, Hollywood, Mission Hills and Palmdale. Of that number, eight occurred in the last 10 days.

Witnesses in previous robberies described the robber as a white female, between 5'5 to 5'7 tall and weighing between 140 and 170 pounds, according to the FBI.

She was seen wearing the black sunglasses, baseball cap, beige hooded sweater and jeans, and was carrying carrying a handbag and a cell phone with glitter or jewels on it.
She left the banks in a white Toyota Avalon with an unknown male driver, according to the FBI.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the Starlet Bandit is urged to contact the FBI at 310-477-6565 or the LAPD at 1-877-LAPD-247.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or texting 274637. Tips leading to an arrest can earn up to $1,000.

Previous robberies:

• 03/25/2008 - Bank of America, 7800 W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood


• 07/22/2008 - Bank of America, 7255 Woodman Ave, Van Nuys


• 04/19/2010- Bank of America, 7255 Woodman Ave, Van Nuys


• 4/21/2010 - Bank of America, 7800 W. Sunset Blvd, Hollywood


• 04/21/2010 - Chase Bank, 10348 N. Sepulveda, Mission Hills


• 04/23/2010 - Bank of America, 839 E Palmdale, Palmdale


• 04/23/2010 - Chase Bank, 10348 N. Sepulveda, Mission Hills