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Community: (FBI News Release) New Hat Bandits Hit 5 Banks - Rosemead, Monterey Park, Manhattan Beach

For Immediate Release: December 4, 2013

“NEW HAT BANDITS LINKED TO FIVE ROBBERIES IN LESS THAN SIX WEEKS IN SOUTH BAY & EAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY

The FBI and law enforcement partners with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Monterey Park Police Department and the Manhattan Beach Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in learning the identity of serial bank robbers known as the “New Hat Bandits,” believed to be responsible for five bank robberies over the past six weeks in the cities of Rosemead, Monterey Park and, most recently, Manhattan Beach.

During the robberies, the New Hat Bandits enter the bank and make oral and written demands for cash.

The New Hat Bandits are described by witnesses as black males who wear baseball hats that appear to be new. The suspects are further described as between 5’06” to 5’08” in height; between 150 to 170 lbs; and aged in their thirties. Witnesses have described a possible black Lincoln Navigator as the getaway vehicle.

The New Hat Bandits have been linked to the following bank robberies:

10/23/13 Chase Bank 459 S. Atlantic Blvd Monterey Park
10/31/13 Pacific Alliance Bank 8400 E. Vallley Blvd Rosemead
11/14/13 Cathay Bank 250 S. Atlantic Blvd Monterey Park
11/22/13 U.S. Bank 3300 N. Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach
12/03/13 Citibank 2710 Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach

Bank surveillance photographs of the “New Hats Bandit” are being provided to the media. Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact their nearest FBI office or dial 911. Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division can be found at: www.labankrobbers.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
FBI Press Relations: 310 996-3343
Manhattan Beach PD: 310 802-5127
L.A. County Sheriff’s Department: 323 267-4800

LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
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