Bank Heists Go Unnoticed for Hours
posted 9:51 pm Fri January 11, 2008 - Washington
The first theft happened about 11 a.m. Wednesday in Wheaton. Investigators say a man dressed as an armored truck guard entered the BB&T Bank in the 11,500 block of Georgia Avenue. The man told bank employees he was filling in for the normal guard. He made a cash pickup and left the bank. When the real guard showed up on Thursday, the bank realized the money had been stolen.
Meantime on Thursday in the District, a man dressed as a Brink's guard enetered the Wachovia Bank in the 800 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. He presented himself as the fill-in guard and was escorted into the vault. He walked out $370,000 richer. "He came in, asked for the money; he signed for the money, walked out," said Lt. William Farr of the Metropolitan Police Department.
When the real security guard arrived around 10:30 a.m., the bank said the pickup had already taken place. The guard left and finished his shift.
About 7 p.m., the real guard apparently checked the pickup log with Brink's and realized something was wrong.
Police say that gave the bandit a ten-hour head start, but police are confident they'll find the robber.
"That's a definite advantage for now, but with the technology and the cameras, I think we'll catch up," said Lt. Farr.
Investigators have released a surveillance photo showing the imposter guard.
Investigators are also looking to see if either of the incidents are connected to a similar heist at a bank in Ellicott City last month.
Latest Comment on Bank Heists Go Unnoticed for Hours
pathogen
12:27 pm on 01/11/08
Talk about brazen. Not only does he steal right in front of FBI HQ but gets a 5 1/2 hour lead on his way to wherever. Sounds like Wachovia needs to revise their security procedures.
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