Manhunt for Aussie suspect in Holland V bank robbery
DARING HEIST: The suspect robbed this Standard Chartered Bank branch of about $30,000 at lunchtime yesterday. No one was injured.
Photo: The Straits Times
Danson Cheong and Malavika Menon
Friday, Jul 8, 2016
Police are looking for an Australian man who is believed to have robbed a Standard Chartered Bank branch at Holland Village of about $30,000 yesterday.
The daring heist took place at about 11.25am when restaurants were busy with the lunchtime crowd.
The Straits Times understands that the suspect strode into the bank and handed the teller a slip of paper with his demands.
After she complied, he made off with the cash on foot.
No weapon was seen during the incident which was over in minutes.
It is understood that there was no security guard present at the bank.
The police were notified shortly afterwards.
In a statement later, a Standard Chartered Bank spokesman said no bank staff or customers were injured in the incident.
The spokesman added that the bank has filed a police report and is assisting with investigations. No further details were given.
"We would like to highlight that the safety of our customers and staff are our top priority and our branch staff are all well trained to react to such situations," said the spokesman.
The suspect was still on the run at press time last night.
Police cordon set up, nearby areas combed for clues
One resident living in Chip Bee Gardens estate across the street told The Straits Times that the police visited his home with a photo of the suspect.
He was described as a Caucasian Australian man, dressed in a grey hoodie and mustard trousers.
The brazen robbery put the area around the bank on lockdown, with Standard Chartered closing the branch for the day.
Witnesses said the police arrived before noon and cordoned off the area.
Bank customers were seen being turned away during investigations.
Just after noon, more than 10 police vehicles were seen parked along Holland Avenue.
Officers in bulletproof vests and riot shields were also present.
Throughout the day, forensic investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department were seen entering and leaving the bank branch.
The police cordon was later expanded to include the nearby Citibank and HSBC branches.
Denise Richter, 22, an employee from nearby cafe PARK, said no alarm was heard during the time of the incident.
The cafe's employees were asked by officers if they had mobile or closed-circuit television footage.
Investigations are ongoing.
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