CHULA VISTA, Calif. – An unkempt robber who held up the Mission FCU branch here Wednesday is believed to be the same man who hit three other credit unions and as many as five area banks over the last 10 months.
The man, dubbed the “Scruffy Bandit” by police, typically is seen on surveillance videos waiting in line with a cell phone to his ear and appears to be talking to someone as he presents a demand note to tellers. He then leaves the scene on foot with the stolen cash.
The man is believed to be the same one who robbed a North Island CU branch, Financial 21 CU, and the same branch of Mission FCU another time, as well as Union Bank twice, Banco Popular, Pacific West and Citibank. No weapons were seen in any of the hold ups.
Police believe he may be responsible for as many as 12 robberies.
