‘New Hat Bandits’ sought after fifth bank in L.A. County is robbed

The FBI and three other law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s help in identifying two men who have been dubbed the “New Hat Bandits” after a fifth bank was robbed in L.A. County.

The FBI on Wednesday said the men are believed to be responsible for five bank robberies over the last six weeks in Rosemead, Monterey Park and Manhattan Beach.

Demands for cash are made verbally and via written notes during the robberies, the FBI said.

Witnesses have described the bandits as black males who wear baseball hats that appear to be new -- a description that led to the pair’s name. Witnesses said the men are 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches, between 150 to 170 pounds and believed to be in their 30s.

They described a possible black Lincoln Navigator as a getaway vehicle.

Authorities said the bandits first struck a Chase Bank at 459 S. Atlantic Blvd. in Monterey Park on Oct. 23. Eight days later, they struck Pacific Alliance Bank at 8400 E. Valley Blvd. in Rosemead.

On Nov. 14, they struck Cathay Bank at 250 S. Atlantic Blvd. in Monterey Park. Eight days later, they struck a U.S. Bank at 3300 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in Manhattan Beach. The last robbery occurred Tuesday in the same city at a Citibank on 2710 Sepulveda Blvd.

Screen shots from surveillance cameras were released to the public Wednesday in an effort to identify the alleged bank robbers.

In addition to the FBI, the bandits are wanted by Monterey Park and Manhattan Beach police, as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspects was urged to contact the nearest police department, the FBI or call 911.

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ruben.vives@latimes.com