Lauren RabainoAn unusually high number of bank robberies has struck the Central Coast over the past few months and authorities are seeking the public’s help in apprehending the suspects who remain at large.
Two robberies have occurred this month alone: at the First Bank in San Luis Obispo on Jan. 2nd and at a Wells Fargo branch in Santa Maria a day later.
Authorities have linked at least six robberies since November to one man, dubbed the El Camino Real Bandit after he robbed banks along California’s historic old mission trail.
Since robbing four Central Coast banks, authorities think this individual has moved north and is suspected in two robberies in the Sacramento area.
According to the F.B.I., the El Camino Real bandit is a white male in his forties and approximately 180 lbs. He has reportedly used disguises during his crimes, including fake mustaches and even a dreadlock wig during his robbery of a Rabobank in Pismo Beach on Dec. 23rd.
“He’s been doing what we call a note-job,” said F.B.I. Spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Field Office Laura Eimiller. “He presents a note to the teller, demanding cash and then leaves without attracting too much attention.”
According to Eimiller, this type of robbery is more common than the dramatic “takeover-style” typically seen in movies.
In at least one robbery, however, the suspect did brandish a handgun, an act that could drastically increase his sentence should he be caught and tried.
“A firearm enhancement is very important,” Eimiller said. “Different statutes are applicable to each situation, but if prosecutors can prove (robbers) did use a firearm in carrying out a violent crime.that’s an extra five years on top of each count.”
“Basically, this means longer sentences and less of a revolving door for these individuals,” she added.
In the case of the El Camino Real bandit, as well as the other recent robberies in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
“The typical take from a bank robbery is very low, much lower than people think,” Eimiller said. “When interviewed later, most robbers say they could have got a lot more.”
Despite this and the high capture and incarceration rate of these individuals, cities across the U.S. have seen a rise in the number of bank robberies in the last six months.
“Eventually, these individuals will be caught,” said Lieutenant Bill Proll of the San Luis Obispo Police Department. “It will just take a really observant citizen or bank employee to notice something helpful; a distinguishing physical characteristic or license plate number on a vehicle.”
Nationwide, commercial banks have been employing various tactics to deter would-be robbers, including the increased use of die-packs and bandit barriers which separate the tellers from the lobby. Many are also using intensive customer service techniques, such as having employees greet customers at the door, to steal away a prospective robber’s feeling of anonymity.
According to Proll, some banks are even adjusting their cash policies, handing out vouchers to customers which can then be exchanged for cash at the ATMs.
As a matter of policy, a number of local banks declined to comment for this story.