Robber hits 13th bank

The Blue Note Bandit has struck again.

Orange County’s most prolific bank robber in recent memory hit his 13th bank in two months Monday when he robbed a U.S. Bank in Costa Mesa about 2:30 p.m., police said.

It’s the second bank he’s robbed in Costa Mesa. According to the FBI, the Blue Note Bandit robbed a local Chase Bank on Dec. 1. With the most recent robbery, the reward for his capture has doubled.

U.S. Bank has offered $10,000 for information leading to the capture and conviction of the Blue Note Bandit. Wells Fargo bank is offering the same amount as well.

“We haven’t seen anything like this in quite some time,” said Pete Angilini of the FBI’s bank robbery division. “He’s been lucky. It’s a good run, but his luck should run out.”

He’s been dubbed the Blue Note Bandit because during one of his first robberies, he passed a note to the teller on blue paper. Monday’s robbery was like all the others, police said: He passed a note demanding cash and then walked out with the money.

During the robberies the man demands cash in large denominations “quickly,” and in some cases has threatened tellers with a gun. No one has seen him with a gun, authorities said.

Authorities speculate that the man may be robbing so frequently to support a drug or gambling addiction.

The bandit is described as a white man, about 6 feet tall, 180 pounds with brown hair and broad shoulders and a tan. He also has crooked teeth, police said.

FBI officials said they have received three tips on the Blue Note Bandit’s identity, but none appears solid.

Anyone who has information about the Blue Note Bandit’s identity is asked to contact FBI Special Agent Christopher Gicking at (714) 542-8825.