Crime & Safety

New Hat Bandit Robs Banks in Manhattan Beach

The New Hat Bandits have robbed two Manhattan Beach banks; one Nov. 22, the other Dec. 3.

Citibank, 2710 N. Sepulveda Blvd., in Manhattan Beach was robbed Tuesday by a man believed to be responsible for four other Southland bank robberies, said Det. Michael Rosenberger of the Manhattan Beach Police Department Wednesday.

Dubbed the "New Hat Bandits," the serial bank robbers are believed to have robbed US Bank, 3300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., in Manhattan Beach on Nov. 22, he said, as well as three other banks, two in Monterey Park and one in Rosemead. Those robberies occurred on Oct. 23, Oct. 31 and Nov. 14.

In the Manhattan Beach robberies, which happened in the Manhattan Village shopping center, the same man made verbal demands, had his hands in his pockets and wore the same hat, said Rosenberger. A weapon was not seen.

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The Tuesday crime, in which the bank robber had an accomplice, happened around 1:24 p.m.; the Nov. 22 one around 4:17 p.m. A Lincoln Navigator may be linked to the crimes.

The New Hat Bandits are described as black males who wear baseball hats that look new. They are between 5’06” to 5’08” in height; between 150 to 170 lbs; and in their thirties. 

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Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspects should contact their nearest FBI office or call 911. 

The FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Monterey Park Police Department and the Manhattan Beach Police Department are working on the cases.

Det. Mike Rosenberger can be reached at (310) 802-5127.


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