New Hat Bandits Linked to Five Robberies in Less Than Six Weeks in South Bay and East Los Angeles County

The FBI and law enforcement partners with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Monterey Park Police Department, and the Manhattan Beach Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in learning the identity of serial bank robbers known as the “New Hat Bandits,” believed to be responsible for five bank robberies over the past six weeks in the cities of Rosemead, Monterey Park, and, most recently, Manhattan Beach.

During the robberies, the New Hat Bandits enter the bank and make oral and written demands for cash.

The New Hat Bandits are described by witnesses as black males who wear baseball hats that appear to be new. The suspects are further described as between 5’6” to 5’8” in height; between 150 to 170 pounds; and aged in their 30s. Witnesses have described a possible black Lincoln Navigator as the getaway vehicle.

The New Hat Bandits have been linked to the following bank robberies:

• October 23, 2013: Chase Bank at 459 S. Atlantic Blvd Monterey Park
• October 10, 2013: Pacific Alliance Bank at 8400 E. Vallley Blvd Rosemead
• November 4, 2013 Cathay Bank at 250 S. Atlantic Blvd Monterey Park
• November 22, 2013 U.S. Bank at 3300 N. Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach
• December 3, 2013 Citibank at 2710 Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach

Bank surveillance photographs of the New Hats Bandit are below. Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact their nearest FBI office or dial 911. Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.