CALGARY — The Canadian Bankers Association hopes the offer of a reward will help nab a man who is suspected of robbing 14 banks in Calgary and Ontario.
The suspect is known as the “Vaulter Bandit” because he has jumped over the counter of each bank he has robbed and threatened staff, saying he had a gun.
Calgary Police say the man is suspected of robbing four Scotiabank locations in Calgary between Feb. 4 and Feb. 14.
Insp. Cliff O’Brien says police are worried that someone is going to be hurt or traumatized.
“Whether the offender gets a small amount (of money) or large amount is irrelevant,” he said Tuesday.
“It is the victimization. If you can imagine being there going to work, and then suddenly you have somebody vaulting a counter, screaming and yelling and threatening you. ”
The Vaulter Bandit is also a suspect in 10 bank robberies committed in the York, Peel and Hamilton areas between Feb. 3, 2010, and Sept. 11, 2010.
The bankers association is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
“Often times rewards are provided as a deterrent,” said William Crate, director of security for the bankers association.
“Rewards are rare because the clearance rate is so high. Most times when individuals are involved in a bank robbery, they are caught.”
Police have also released video and photographs of a suspect.