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LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- Bank robberies in Los Angeles County and across the state have hit a 10-year low, according to the FBI.
Annual bank robbery statistics released by the FBI Wednesday indicate that officials investigated 122 bank robberies in the county in 2011, compared with 168 in 2010.
With the exception of a moderate uptick in bank heists in 2008 and 2009, bank robberies in Los Angeles county have been steadily waning since 2002, when 401 such crimes were reported.
A similar trend was seen statewide, where 677 bank robberies took place in 2011, down from 779 in 2010 and 1,405 in 2002, according to the FBI report.
"The decrease in overall robberies is attributable in part to closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies, successful prosecution by the United States Attorney's Office and its counterparts at the district attorney's offices, as well as a more proactive approach by the banking community in the implementation of additional security measures," FBI officials said in a written statement.
"In addition, media coverage of increasingly clear bank surveillance photographs, and rewards offered by banks and law enforcement (have) contributed to the community's awareness and has generated valuable assistance from the public in the identification of unknown subjects," the statement said.
According to the data, California saw about twice the number of bank robberies as any other state. New York comes in second with 339 bank robberies reported in 2011.
Bank heists have been on a steady decline since the early 1990s, officials added.
The FBI's Los Angeles Field Officer serves seven Southern California Counties including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura.
Though yearly numbers show bank robberies declining, "In January 2012, the pace of bank robberies has increased and so far this year, 40 bank robberies have been reported in the seven-county area, primarily in Los Angeles and Orange counties, followed by Riverside County.
About 12 percent of the heists reported to the Los Angeles Field Office of the FBI were "takeovers" -- in which employees or customers are held hostage during the crime.
Along with the updated statistics, the FBI Wednesday issued a list of the region's top ten wanted serial bank robbers.
They include the "Explosive Threat Bandit," tied to six L.A. County bank robberies since November -- the first of which took place at a West Covina Bank of America Branch; as well as the "Lift and Show Bandit," linked to three bank robberies in La Puente, West Covina and Pico Rivera since December.
Seven suspected serial bank robbers who have been operating in the Los Angeles area have been arrested this month, including the prolific "Market Duo," "Bubble Wrap" and "Puffy Coat" bandits.
Anyone with information about a bank robber at-large is asked to call the FBI's 24-hour tip line in Los Angeles at 310-477-6565.
PHOTOS of the "Explosive Threat Bandit" (top) and the "Lift and Show Bandit," (below) courtesy of the FBI.
WHITTIER -- A would-be bandit left empty-handed Monday after trying unsuccessfully to rob both a bank and a sandwich shop in Uptown Whittier, police said.
The crook entered the Chase bank branch, 13103 E. Philadelphia Ave., about 12:10 p.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money and stating he had a bomb, Whittier police Lt. Randy Inman said.
The teller turned over no cash, and the failed robber left the bank, he said.
About 10 minutes later, a man police believe to be the same attempted robber showed up at a Subway restaurant around the corner at 7201 Greenleaf Ave., the lieutenant said.
He presented an employee a note demanding cash and stating he had a gun, police said. The employee retreated to the rear of the business, and the suspect again fled empty-handed.
Authorities described the robber as a white man, about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 180 pounds, Inman said. He wore a black baseball cap with a letter "A" on it, a dark-green jacket and blue jeans during the crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Whittier Police Department at 562-567-9200.
- PHOTO courtesy of the FBI
DIAMOND BAR -- Detective have renewed their call for the public's help in tracking down a man who robbed a bank last year.
The robbery took place about 1:30 p.m. Aug. 30, 2011, at the Cal Bank and Trust, 1200 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., according to Detective Angel Matute of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau.
Authorities have a high-quality surveillance images of the suspect and believe he may still be in the area, so they again called on the public this week to see if they recognize the bandit, Matute said.
"(The suspect) has committed other crimes in the same general vicinity along Diamond Bar Boulevard," according to a wanted flyer issued by the sheriff's department. "It is believed that he either lives in, or regularly frequents, the area."
Information on other crimes the man is suspected of was not available Friday.
Investigators described the robber as a white man in his 40s, about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and a thin brown and gray beard. He wore a baseball cap, black rimmed glasses, a white long-sleeved shirt with a zipper and denim shorts, and he carried a black bag.
"Due to the thin growth of beard, the suspect may have only grown the beard to help disguise his face. He may now be clean-shaven," according to the wanted flyer.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Walnut-Diamond Bar Station at 909-595-2264.
LA MIRADA -- Officials Wednesday jailed a Whittier man suspected of being part of a serial bank robbery team responsible for five Orange County heists since October of last year.
Andres Soto, 50, is accused of being one of the "Market Duo Bandits," linked to five bank robberies targeting bank branches inside of supermarkets, according to La Habra police and FBI officials.
Police identified Soto as a suspect and arrested him during a traffic stop in the 14000 block of E. Imperial highway in La Mirada without a struggle Wednesday, La Habra police said.
Another suspect, identified as Paul Acosta, 27, of Los Angeles, was arrested Jan. 5 after the bandits' second heist at a bank branch inside a supermarket in the 2100 block of West Imperial Highway, according to the Orange County Register. Acosta was arrested following a pursuit and deputy-involved shooting in Paramount, while a second suspect fled on foot an escaped.
The bandits are also believed to have robbed the same bank branch on Oct. 25, La Habra police officials said in a written statement.
The string of robberies took place in La Habra, Lake Forest, Seal Beach and Placentia, officials said.
A third suspect was reportedly arrested in connection with the robbery spree in the days following Acosta's arrest, however information on that suspect was not released.
According to county booking records, Soto and Acosta were both due to appear Friday in Orange County Superior Court.
Meanwhile, another alleged serial bank robbery suspect is awaiting trial after his criminal career came to and end following a bank robbery in La Habra.
La Habra police officers and Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested 34-year-old Francisco Gallegos Jan. 7 after he robbed a bank branch inside a La Habra supermarket. He's accused of being the "Bubble Wrap Bandit" -- responsible for at least five bank robberies in La Habra, La Mirada, Bell Gardens and South Gate.
PICO RIVERA -- A bank robbery carried out in Pico Rivera last week has been linked to a serial bandit already believed responsible for two other heists, authorities said.
The "Lift and Show Bandit" struck the Chase bank branch at 9125 E. Whittier Blvd. Friday afternoon, shortly before closing, authorities said.
He's also been tied to a Dec. 20, 2011 robbery at the Bank of America, 1520 E. Amar Road in West Covina, as well as a Dec. 4, 2011 robbery at a Chase bank at 925 N. Hacienda Blvd. in La Puente, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.
The bandit was given his name because of his tendency to lift his jacket during the robberies, exposing a black handgun, and threatening to shoot people, FBI officials said.
He's described as white, 25 to 34 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 160 to 185 pounds. No getaway car has been reported in connection with the crimes.
Meanwhile, authorities in Rowland Heights had yet to confirm whether a lanky man who robbed a bank branch in that city Saturday was the same serial bandit who robbed another Rowland Heights bank Jan. 11.
The "Stretch Bandit," who earned his name because of his estimated height of more than 6 feet 2 inches, was linked the Jan. 11 robbery at the Bank of the West, 19005 Colima Road, FBI officials said.
A robber bearing a similar description robbed a Citibank, 18847 Colima Road, Saturday afternoon, authorities said.
Saturday's robbery, however, has not been definitively identified as the Stretch Bandit, whom authorities describe as being about 6 feet 3 inches tall and of thin build -- about 190 pounds. He's 35 to 42 years old with blonde hair and blue eyes, and a and a white, 4-door Honda Accord with a tinted rear window and the first two license plate numbers of "3Z" has been spotted in connection with the crimes.
Sheriff's officials further described him as having blonde hair and blue eyes.
Though the Stretch Bandit has claimed to have a gun during the crimes, no weapon has been seen by witnesses, investigators said.
Another serial bandit's spree came to an end this month, as La Habra police and Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies chased down and captured a man dubbed the "Bubble Wrap Bandit" after a heist at the La Habra U.S. Bank branch Jan. 7.
The bandit, now identified as 34-year-old Francisco Gallegos of Cudahy, is suspected in five robberies spanning La Habra, La Mirada, Bell Gardens and South Gate, according to the FBI.
Anyone with information on any of the cases is asked to call the FBI's 24-hour tip line in Los Angeles at 310-477-6565.
PHOTO of Lift and Show Bandit courtesy of the FBI
ROWLAND HEIGHTS - For the second time in less than a week, a man using a note robbed a bank along Colima Road, authorities said Monday.
Sgt. Angie Wilkinson of the sheriff's Walnut station said a man walked into the Citibank at 18847 Colima Road about 12:15 p.m. Saturday and handed the teller a note saying he had a gun and demanding money.
Wilkinson said the teller gave the man some money and he fled out of sight. No vehicle was seen leaving the area.
The robber was described as a white man in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds. He was wearing at blue hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants at the time.
The incident marked the second bank robbery in Rowland Heights last week.
On Wednesday, a man dubbed the "Stretch Bandit" walked into the Bank of the West Branch at 19005 Colima Road and handed the teller a note demanding money. He escaped with about a $1,000.
FBI officials believe the man robbed the same branch on July 12. He is also suspected of robbing a U.S. Bank branch in Hacienda Heights on July 6.
The robber in Wednesday's incident was described as a white man in his mid 30s with blond hair and blue eyes, about 6 feet 3 inches tall and 185 pounds. He was wearing a tan jacket over a blue hooded sweathshirt.
While Saturday's robbery bears strong similarities to those committed by the Stretch Bandit and occurred less than a mile from Wednesday's robbery, authorities could not immediately confirm if they are connected.
- J.D. Velasco
PICO RIVERA -- An armed man robbed a local bank of an undisclosed amount Friday night.
The Chase Bank in the 9100 block of Whittier Boulevard was hit about 5 p.m.
Lt. Brian Yanagi said the gunman demanded money from one of the tellers.
He took the money and left. No getaway car was seen.
The robber was only described as being in his 30s with medium build and medium height. He used a handgun in the robbery.
- Ruby Gonzales
ROWLAND HEIGHTS -- A bank robbery Wednesday was the work of a serial robber connected to two other crimes dating back to July of last year, authorities said.
The "Stretch Bandit" paid a visit to the Bank of the West, 19005 E. Colima Road, about 10:30 a.m., according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.
It was his second robbery at the same bank, which he also robbed on July 12 of last year, officials said.
The same man is also suspected in a July 6, 2011 robbery at a U.S. Bank Branch on Hacienda Boulevard in Hacienda Heights, Eimiller said.
The FBI calls him the "Stretch Bandit" because of his physical description, FBI officials said. He stands about 6 feet 3 inches tall and is of thin build -- about 190 pounds.
The bandit is 35 to 42 years old, and a white, 4-door Honda Accord with a tinted rear window and the first two license plate numbers of "3Z" has been spotted in connection with the crimes.
Sheriff's officials further described him as having blonde hair and blue eyes.
The robbers passes tellers notes demanding cash and claiming that he has a gun, FBI officials said, though no weapons have been seen during the robberies.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI's 24-hour line in Los
Angeles at 310-477-6565.
PHOTOS courtesy of the FBI
LA HABRA -- A serial bank robber linked to five heists, including ones in La Mirada and La Habra, is behind bars, La Habra police announced Thursday.
Francisco Gallegos, 34, of Cudahy, is suspected of being the "Bubble Wrap Bandit," La Habra police officials said in a written statement.
The arrest was disclosed Thursday, though Gallegos was arrested Saturday following a robbery at a La Habra U.S. Bank branch and a police pursuit that ended in a crash in Norwalk, officials said.
La Habra police Saturday responded to a report of a bank robbery at the U.S. Bank inside Vons supermarket, 2101 W. Imperial Hwy., according to the La Habra police statement.
The robber had handed a teller a note demanding cash before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash and getting into a white Volkswagon car, police said.
A La Habra police detective spotted a car matching the description, beginning a pursuit that ended with a crash at Firestone Boulevard and Elmcroft Avenue in Norwalk, officials said.
With the help of Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies, officers arrested Gallegos, the police statement said. He was booked into jail Sunday after being treated for injuries he suffered in the crash.
In addition to the La Habra bank robbery, he's suspected of a Sept. 14, 2011 bank robbery at a Bank of the West branch in La Mirada, as well as heists in Bell Gardens and South Gate, according to the FBI.
The bandit earned his moniker because he's been seen carrying a manila, bubble-wrap lined envelope during some of the crimes, officials said.
He pleaded not guilty Tuesday to two counts of robbery and one count of burglary in Orange County Superior Court, where his bail was set at $1 million, officials said.
PHOTO courtesy of the La Habra Police Department
ROWLAND HEIGHTS -- A man escaped with about $1,000 after using a note to rob a bank branch Wednesday, authorities said.
The crime was reported about 10:30 a.m. at the Bank of the West, 19005 Colima Road, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Joe Chavez said.
The robber handed a teller a note demanding cash and was last seen fleeing north from the bank on foot, officials said.
He was described as a white man in his mid-30s, with blond hair and blue eyes, about 6 feet 3 inches tall and 185 pounds, wearing a tan jacket over a blue hooded sweat shirt, Chavez said. He was unshaven.
The Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau, as well as the FBI, were assisting in the investigation.
UPLAND -- Detectives jailed a Pomona parolee Tuesday they believe to be the "Puffy Coat Bandit" -- responsible for a spree of seven bank robberies in three counties over the past three weeks.
Steven Dwayne Paulson, 46, was expected to appear in court to be charged in connection with the bank robberies today, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
Paulson is suspected in a string of seven bank heists reported between Dec. 20 and Jan. 9, officials said.
They include robberies in Glendora, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, Cerritos, Corona and Lake Elsinore, officials said.
The "Puffy Coat Bandit" earned his name because of bulky jackets he was seen wearing during some of the crimes, according to the FBI.
A break in the case came Tuesday afternoon in Upland, Eimiller said.
"A detective with the Upland Police Department detained a driver matching the description of the suspect, who was driving a suspected vehicle," she said. "Further investigation by the Upland PD and the FBI resulted in the arrest of the suspect."
Authorities have previously said an accomplice may have acted as a getaway driver in the robberies.
"With regard to theory that a second suspect/getaway driver may have been involved, an investigation will continue to determine whether an accomplice was knowingly involved in the bank robberies," Eimiller said.
CERRITOS -- A serial bank robber who robbed in Glendora last week struck for the fifth time in Cerritos Tuesday, officials said.
The "Puffy Coat Bandit" remained true to his moniker as he robbed the Chase branch at 11900 South Street in a winter coat and beanie, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.
He is also suspected in a robbery at a Glendora Union Bank branch in the 600 block of West Route 66 Friday afternoon; a Dec. 28 robbery at Mission Oaks Bank in Lake Elsinore; a Dec. 22 robbery at Premier Services Bank in Corona; and Dec. 20 robbery at U.S. Bank in Chino, FBI officials said.
He generally passes tellers a note demanding money while motioning as if armed, authorities said. He's described as a white man in his late-30s to mid-40s, of thin or medium build, between 6 feet 1 inch and 6 feet 4 inches tall.
A light-colored sedan, possibly a Ford or Mercury, has also been spotted in connection with the robbery spree.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI's 24-hour tip line at 310-477-6565, or 9-1-1.
PHOTO courtesy of the FBI
ROSEMEAD -- Deputies arrested a Rosemead man who tried, but failed, to rob a Bank of America branch Tuesday, officials said.
Daniel Solis, 19, was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said in a written statement.
Authorities responded to a call reporting a robbery at the Bank of America, 8856 Valley Blvd., just before 9:30 a.m., officials said.
"Solis had entered the bank and presented a note to the teller demanding cash," according to the statement. "The suspect became suspicious and fled prior to obtaining any money."
As Solis tried to walk away from the bank casually, a bank employee flagged down a nearby sheriff's deputy
At the same time, a bank employee flagged down a deputy who happened to be passing by and pointed out the would-be robber, officials said. Solis was arrested without a struggle.
The FBI and the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau are joining the sheriff's Temple Station in the investigation.
According to county booking records, Solis was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail and was due for arraignment Thursday in El Monte Superior Court.
GLENDORA -- A serial bank robber dubbed the "Puffy Coat Bandit" robbed a bank of an undisclosed amount Friday, authorities said.
The robber entered the Union Bank in the 600 block of West Route 66 at about 4:30 p.m.
Glendora police Lt. Jamie Caldwell said the suspect presented a note demanding money to one of the tellers. He also simulated having a weapon during the heist.
The suspect took the cash and left.
The robber was believed to be a serial bandit the FBI is calling the "Puffy Coat Bandit" due to the ski jacket-type outerwear he's sported during several area heists in recent weeks, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said.
The bandit has been linked to three other bank robberies since Dec. 20, FBI officials said in a written statement. They include: A Dec. 28 robbery at Mission Oaks Bank in Lake Elsinore; a Dec. 22 heist at Premier Services Bank in Corona; and Dec. 20 at U.S. Bank in Chino.
Officials described the Puffy Coat Bandit as a white man in his late-30s to mid-40s, of thin to medium build and standing 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 4 inches tall. He's been seen wearing a black ski-type jacket and a black beanie.
A light colored sedan, possibly a Ford or Mercury, has been witnessed in connection with the crimes, according to the FBI. In the Glendora case, the car was described as brown or maroon.
He's considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him is advised to call the FBI's 24-hour tip line at 310-477-6565, or 911.
- Brian Day and Ruby Gonzales
PHOTOS courtesy of the FBI
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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