‘Hipster Bandit’ strikes again at Clairemont Wells Fargo

FALLBROOK (KUSI) – 12:31 p.m. – Authorities were still searching for the "Hipster Bandit" Wednesday, who is believed to have robbed four San Diego-area supermarket banking centers since last summer.

According to the FBI, the most recent robbery occurred Saturday afternoon at a Wells Fargo desk at a Vons in the 4700 block of Clairemont Drive.

Witnesses have described him as a thin, roughly 5-foot-4-inch white man in his late 20s or early 30s with brown hair and a tattoo on his left bicep.

Anyone with information about the robberies was asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

11/15/2015 – The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force that includes the San Diego Police Department and San Diego Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the “Hipster Bandit.” 

The “Hipster Bandit” is believed to be responsible for three bank robberies dating back to Thursday, July 2, 2015. 

The latest robbery occurred on Monday, November 2, 2015, with the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank, located inside of the Vons grocery store, 10675 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego, California.

In the latest robbery the “Hipster Bandit” robbed the Wells Fargo Bank, located inside of the Vons grocery store, 10675 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego, California. 

During this robbery, the “Hipster Bandit” presented a demand note that demanded specific denominations.  After receiving a sum of money from a bank employee, the “Hipster Bandit” walked out of the grocery store.

During the September 25, 2012, bank robbery of the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store at 1133 South Mission Road, Fallbrook, California, the “Hipster Bandit” approached the victim teller and feigned to be conducting a legitimate banking transaction by verbally asking the teller for help while handing the teller a demand note for cash. 

The note stated that he was there to rob the teller and demanded specific denominations.  The teller provided the robber with a sum of money which the robber collected in his hands and then walked towards the main entrance/exit of the grocery store.

The “Hipster Bandit” is also believed to be responsible for robbing the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store at 8920 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, California, on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at approximately 10:07 a.m.  During this robbery, the robber sat down at desk in front of the teller’s desk and asked if the teller could help him. 

The robber then slid a white envelope with writing on it demanding cash.  The note also provided instructions on how to package the money.  The teller complied with his demand and provided him with a sum of money.

No injuries have been reported in any of the robberies at this time.

10/5/2015 – The FBI, San Diego Sheriff’s Department and other local law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s assistance to identify an unknown male bank robber, who is believed to be responsible for two bank robberies dating back to Thursday, July 2.

The latest robbery occurred today with the robbery of the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store 1133 South Mission Road, Fallbrook, California, on Friday, September 25.

The robber has been dubbed the “Hipster Bandit” for his manner of dress and the sunglasses he has worn during his robberies. 

In today’s robbery the “Hipster Bandit” is alleged to have robbed the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store at 1133 South Mission Road, Fallbrook, California, at approximately 10:08 a.m.

At the time of the robbery, the robber approached the victim teller and feigned to be conducting a legitimate banking transaction by verbally asking the teller for help while handing the teller a demand note for cash. The note stated that he was there to rob the teller and demanded specific denominations.

The teller provided the robber with a sum of money which the robber collected in his hands and then walked towards the main entrance/exit of the grocery store. 

The “Hipster Bandit” is also believed to be responsible for robbing the U.S. Bank, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store at 8920 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, California, on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at approximately 10:07 a.m.

During this robbery, the robber sat down at desk in front of the teller’s desk and asked if the teller could help him. The robber then slid a white envelope with writing on it demanding cash. The note also provided instructions on how to package the money. The teller complied with the robber’s demand and provided him with a sum of money. No injuries have been reported in any of the robberies at this time. 

Witnesses described the “Hipster Bandit” as a white male, with freckles and short brown hair. He is approximately 5’4" tall, weighs about 110 pounds with protruding ears. 

He was last scene wearing a long-sleeved button up shirt and dark round sunglasses. 

Anyone with information concerning the “Hipster Bandit” is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 320-1800 (option 2) or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.