FBI, LAPD Step Up The Hunt For 'The Skipper Bandit'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  Investigators with the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are stepping up their hunt for the bank robber they have dubbed "The Skipper Bandit."

Both law enforcement agencies are hoping the public recognizes the bandit they say has been active in Los Angeles over the past sixteen months.

The suspect got the "Skipper" bandit moniker for the fisherman-style hat he is known to wear. The FBI said in each robbery or attempted robbery, "Skipper" passes a note to the teller and demands cash. They did not divulge how much he's gotten away with.

The Skipper Bandit has been linked to at least a half-dozen heists and attempted robberies -- most are around 3 p.m. or later on Thursdays. These include:

08/27/2015 Thursday 3:20 p.m. Bank of America Canoga Park (attempt)

09/24/2015 Thursday 2:50 p.m. Wells Fargo Bank Los Angeles

10/15/2015 Thursday 4:10 p.m. Wells Fargo Bank Toluca Lake (attempt)

10/23/2015 Friday 5:15 p.m. Bank of America North Hollywood (attempt)

11/12/2015 Thursday 2:55 p.m. Chase Bank Tarzana (attempt)

07/14/2016 Thursday 3 p.m. Citibank North Hollywood

Officials believe he will rob again if he is not apprehended.

"Skipper" has been described as white, between 47-53 years of age, about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 250 pounds.

The FBI added he is light complected with an unshaven round face. He is usually in dark sunglasses and wearing a polo shirt. He is believed to be Middle-Eastern or Spanish.

Anyone with information regarding the Skipper Bandit is asked to contact the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office 24 hours a day at 888 CANT-HIDE (888 226-8443).