Police are investigating two more bank robberies, including whether they were committed by a trio of violent bandits sought in connection with other attacks on financial institutions.
Two banks were struck in the city in a short period on Friday.
One woman went to an RBC branch at Bathurst Street and Cedarcroft Boulevard at about 12:30 p.m. She went to open the door and saw three men carrying out a robbery. One in a black mask to her to get out of there.
It was the first time she ever saw a gun.
The robbers were done in about a minute. One brandished a handgun and stood by the door. The other two violently pushed a teller to the floor.
Just over one hour later at Kipling Avenue and Eglinton Avenue West, the same trio hit a small CIBC branch. As before, they were in and out very quickly.
On Monday, the Canadian Bankers Association and the Toronto Police Service announced a $10,000 reward for three suspects in three other violent bank robberies.
In those incidents, the bandits pistol-whipped one bank employee at each branch. The employees required stitches to close their wounds.
It isn't known at this point if the same trio who carried out Friday's robberies is also responsible for the earlier robberies. No bank employees were pistol-whipped on Friday. Police have video from the crime scenes and will be studying it for clues.
People who may have information that would help police arrest these suspects are asked to call 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
