THE LATEST: The Chase Bank branch at 5 Monarch Bay Plaza in Dana Point was robbed Monday night, Dec. 7, just hours after another Chase branch was robbed in San Clemente. The robberies are not believed to be related.
The Dana Point robber—described as a white male, approximately 6-foot-2 inches tall, 220 pounds wearing an Oakland Raiders grey hooded sweatshirt, sporting a baseball cap worn backwards and wearing sunglasses—handed a note to the teller around 5 p.m. demanding money. He reportedly fled on foot with $2,000 in cash. No getaway vehicle was seen, and the robber remains at-large. Witnesses reported that no weapon was seen during the heist.
According to Dana Point Police Services Chief Lt. Mark Levy, the Federal Bureau of Investigations is directing the investigation along with the Bank Robbery Apprehension Team. The FBI has labeled the Dana Point thief as the “Blue Note Bandit.”
The San Clemente branch was also robbed by a white male, labeled by the FBI as the “Red Sharpie Bandit.” That same branch was robbed earlier in the year.
WHAT’S NEXT: Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jim Amormino said that the increase in robberies can be attributed in part to the economy and time of year. “When the economy is bad, people are depressed and need money for Christmas, it is a special time for everyone to be extra vigilant,” said Amormino. “When you go out shopping don’t leave your presents in plain sight in your car. And make sure to lock your doors at home this time of year.”
FIND OUT MORE: www.labankrobbers.org
—Norb Garrett
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