'Mr. Magoo Bandit' Still on the Loose

The bank robber law enforcement officials have dubbed the "Mr. Magoo Bandit," who escaped with an unreleased amount of cash , has struck again.

The suspect has been linked to 12 bank robberies throughout California, according to the FBI. The latest one in the Bay Area was reported on Oct. 4 at an undisclosed location.

The suspect has been linked to four others in the Bay Area including an Aug. 29 robbery at a branch at the Downtown Novato Shopping Center and a Sept. 17 robbery at a Chase Bank in South San Francisco.

The most recent heist, on Oct. 8, was reported at a bank in Thousand Oaks in Ventura County. He has also been linked to six bank robberies in San Diego and one in Camarillo.

Law enforcement officials believe the suspect frequently travels long distances throughout the state and may be recognized at motels or gas stations.

Lt. John McCarthy of the said the likelihood of the suspect being apprehended increases with each robbery.

“Somebody is going to recognize him or get his license plate, or there will be an officer right down the street,” McCarthy said. “The more he does it, the more likely he’ll get caught because of public awareness and the pooled resources” of law enforcement agencies.

McCarthy said there is a good reason why law enforcement does not release the amount of cash stolen in such a robbery.

“We don’t want to be advertising how lucrative a bank robbery is,” he said. “We don’t want to encourage copycats. … At the same time, I’ve seen bank robberies involving large sums and other times not so much.”

That’s generally the policy with all robberies, not just banks, he added.

The bandit has been described as a white man in his 40s, weighing about 200 pounds with a medium build. He is nearly bald with short dirty blond hair and wears prescription glasses. He makes no attempt to disguise himself, according to the FBI.

The suspect uses a note to demand cash from tellers and, in some instances, has even thanked his victims, law officials said.

He has a calm demeanor and does not appear rushed or nervous when he leaves the scene of the crime, according to law enforcement officials.

US Bank is offering a reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Citizens with any information are urged to call the police department at 897-1122 or 1-800-848-0101.

—   Bay City News Service; Brent Ainsworth of Novato Patch contributed to this report.