Would-be bank robber in Hamilton had getaway bike stolen

A quick getaway was not the case for a would-be bank robber in Hamilton in mid-December when he discovered that his bike had been stolen outside of the bank he was trying to rob.

Hamilton police were called to a BMO Bank of Montreal in Westcliffe Mall on Dec. 18 around 1:30 p.m. for a reported attempted robbery.

Investigators learned a lone man arrived at the financial institution on a bicycle, leaving it outside near the building.

When he entered the bank at 375 Upper Paradise Rd he approached a teller, passed a note demanding cash and verbally threatened the employee while motioning that he had a weapon.

The suspect was confronted by other bank employees and then fled the scene empty handed — only to discover that his bike had been stolen from outside of the bank.

He then fled on foot heading north on Upper Paradise Road and was last seen near Upper Paradise Road and Elmwood Avenue.

The suspect is described as white and between 5’4″ and 5’8″. At the time of the attempted robbery he was wearing a long, multi-coloured scarf, black sunglasses, blue surgical mask, black jacket with fur trim, black gloves, dark pants and white shoes.

The bike thief was also a man and was wearing all black clothing.

Investigators are asking area residents to check their home cameras and dash cameras during the time of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Patrick Root at (905) 546-8934 or Detective Sergeant Shane Groombridge at (905) 546-2991.

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