ON Thursday, February 11 at 10:02 a.m., Burnaby RCMP frontline officers, Police Dog Services and Strike Force Team responded to an armed bank robbery at the Vancity Bank at Market Crossing. A man produced what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money. The man then fled the bank before police arrival.

The male suspect was described as being white, 35 to 45 years old, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black toque, black facemask, black jacket and blue jeans.

At around 3:20 p.m., Burnaby RCMP frontline officers, Police Dog Services and Strike Force Team responded to a second bank robbery at the Westminster Savings Credit Union at 4705 Kingsway Avenue. During this robbery, a woman threatened bank staff with a gun and demanded money. The woman then fled the bank before police arrival.

The female suspect was described as being white, approximately 30 to 40 years old, approximately 5’3 tall, with medium to dark brown hair, wearing dark toque, dark facemask and black jacket.

“The Burnaby RCMP’s Strike Force Team has taken over the investigation,” said Cpl. Brett Cunningham. “They are thoroughly examining surveillance video, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence to identify these individuals and determine whether the two robberies are connected.”

Anyone with information for either of these incidents can contact the Burnaby RCMP non-emergency line at 604-646-9999 or if they would rather stay anonymous, they can submit their information to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to www.solvecrime.ca.