Toronto police say they are trying to identify two men – dubbed the ‘Construction Bandit’ and the ‘Envelope Bandit’ – who are both accused of a string of bank robberies across the GTA.
According to police, the “construction bandit” is wanted in connection with three robberies at financial institutions in Scarborough that happened sometime between Jan. 19 and March 22 2016.
In each incident, the suspect entered a bank wearing dark glasses, a hat and a hood. Police say the suspect would approach the teller and hand over a hold-up note indicating he was armed and making a demand for cash.
In one instance, police say the suspect wore a high-visibility work coat similar to the bright vests worn by construction workers.
Following each robbery, the suspect fled the scene in a black, four door Ford Taurus of an older make.
He is described by police as a white male in his 40s or 50s who is between six-foot and six-foot-two with a heavy build.
A second suspect – the “envelope bandit” – is accused of five robberies that took place in Mississauga Etobicoke and Vaughan between Dec. 18, 2015 and March 4, 2016.
Police say the “envelope bandit” entered each bank wearing a hoodie and sunglasses and gave the teller a note and a large envelope. The note made a demand for cash and indicated he was armed.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s who is between five-foot-five and five-foot-eight in height with a thin build and a slight moustache.
Security camera images previously released by police showed the suspect wearing a blue hoodie and a black toque with a scarf underneath.
The Canadian Banker’s Association has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for anyone who provides information to police that leads to the arrest of either suspect.
Police do not believe the two suspects worked together in the robberies.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
