RCMP seek alleged Sask. bank bandit

Small town banks on the prairies of Saskatchewan have become a target for thieves — and RCMP are looking at the possibility that several robberies over the last year are connected.

Banks in Pangman, Hodgeville, Holdfast, Glentworth and Central Butte have all been robbed since May 2016. There have been three attempted robberies at the Pangman bank, with two being successful, and two attempts at the Glentworth bank, with only one being successful.

“Investigators have noted similarities in these eight incidents,” said RCMP Sgt. Kelly West. “The suspect is consistently described as an adult male, between 40 to 50 years old with a heavy-set or stocky build. The height ranges between five foot five inches and five foot eight inches tall.”

West also noted the suspect has worn different clothing at the robberies, and that police believe he’s used a number of different vehicles.

West said they still won’t focus the investigation entirely on a single person, in case there are other suspects involved.

None of the towns that have been targeted have RCMP detachments.

West said a firearm was present at the Hodgeville bank robbery but wouldn’t comment on if one was used at other robberies.

He said safety is the top priority for the RCMP. No one was injured in any of the robberies.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.