Police call him the Vaulter and the Canadian Bankers Association announced Friday they have increased the reward to $100,000 for information that leads to his arrest.
“He’s made very little effort to disguise his face, it’s a mystery to us how he’s remained so elusive,” says Det. Sgt. Mike Fleischaker with York Regional Police.
The Vaulter has hit 19 banks across Canada over the past five years, including ten in York Region. Tips have led police to more than 100 people of interest but they still haven’t been able to identify him.
“We would have thought we would have more success with facial recognition, the reality is he has a generic look,” adds Fleischaker.
Investigators say he’s changed his tactics and has become more brazen, robbing the banks when employees show up for work first thing in the morning.
The latest robbery was a week ago at TD Bank in Mississauga where the Vaulter disguised as a construction worker and armed with a handgun forced three bank employees into the vault.
Rewards have been offered for information leading to his arrest and Friday it was increased to $100,000. It’s only the third time in 15 years the Canadian Bankers Association has offered that amount.
Police plan to contact hotels and motels in areas where the robberies have been committed
Fleischaker said the bandit works alone, and is believed to carry a police scanner and scout locations well before striking and leaving the area.
Police say the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
The Vaulter is described as:
- White
- 50 to 55 years old
- 5’7” to 5’10”
- 170 to 190 lbs
- Athletic build
- Grey hair
- Shaved head or balding
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6631.
With files from The Canadian Press
