Since May 2016, there have been six bank robberies and two attempted bank robberies in southern Saskatchewan.
Police are still searching for the suspect(s), and believe that these crimes could have been committed by the same person, but it is also possible they are different people.
The following robberies have occurred at banks in southern Saskatchewan since May 2016:
- On Friday May 13, 2016, a bank in Pangman was robbed
- On Friday June 24, 2016 a bank in Hodgeville was robbed
- On Wednesday January 4, 2017 a bank in Pangman was robbed
- On Monday February 6 a robbery was attempted at a bank in Pangman
- On Friday March 10 a bank in Holdfast was robbed
- On Friday May 17 a bank in Glentworth was robbed
- On Monday June 5 a robbery was attempted at a bank in Glentworth
- On Tuesday June 13 a bank in Central Butte was robbed
The suspect(s) has/have been consistently described as a stocky adult male, 40 to 50 years old, and 5’5” to 5’8” tall.
The suspect(s) has/have been spotted wearing dark coloured balaclavas, touques, and gloves. He (they) has/have also been seen in a grey hoodie, an orange Under Armour hoodie, a tan coat, a camouflage coat and a dark coat. RCMP confirmed a firearm was used in one of the incidents, but no one was injured.
There are several potential vehicles, including a grey van, a red SUV, an older, dark Chevrolet extended cab truck (possibly a Silverado model).
The small town of Pangman has been one of the biggest targets, with two robberies and one attempted robbery at the local credit union. A resident told Global News they saw the suspect and believe it to be the same person in each incident. They also say the credit union has since increased security, and the public has to be buzzed in through the front door.
Resident Tom Webb says that’s what stopped the robber’s third attempt.
“Now they got a security lock on the door, so when we came back he tried to get in but he found the lock on the door,” said Webb. “They won’t let you in unless they know everything is alright. So he just took off and has never been seen since.”
Webb says the robberies have had an impact on the town.
“We’ve already had two (bank) tellers quit because of this,” he said.
“(The robber) knew what he was doing,” he added. “To go in the front door when it’s just the prime time, you couldn’t plan anything any better.”
Now the RCMP are hoping the public can help lead them to an arrest.
“Police work a lot of times is catching a lucky break, but unfortunately this time we haven’t caught that break,” said Sgt. Kelly West with the Regina RCMP. “Since these have been going on, our local detachments and General Investigation Section have been investigating this matter, and we’re just waiting for that lucky break or the right lead to come forward to identify the suspect.”
If you believe you may know who this individual is, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1 800-222-8477.