Crime & Safety

Police Step Up Patrols for 'Merrimack Valley Bandit'

The serial bank robber is considered armed and dangerous.

You may have noticed several Massachusetts State Police cruisers on Routes 114 and 125 Thursday, as well as more North Andover Police cruisers on patrol as well.

Local police are stepping up patrols in town in an effort to protect the town from the a serial bank robber who has robbed several nearby banks at gunpoint over the past several weeks.

"We have increased selective enforcement and foot patrols in the area," North Andover Police Lt. Charles Gray said. "We're also putting directed patrols in the area."

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Local banks are especially being watched, Gray added.

The FBI has formed a task force with local police departments and are asking the public to check out photos of the robber on their website and contact police with any information.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The "Bandit" is described on the FBI website as a white male with medium build and thin eyebrows. He wore a gray hooded sweatshirt during the robberies.

The "Merrimack Valley Bandit" has not robbed any banks in North Andover, but his pattern seems to have mostly targeted TD Bank, and North Andover has two TD Bank branches.

There is no established motive for the "Bandit" robbing spree.

When the TD Bank branch on Andover Street was robbed last year by another bank robber from Maine, the suspect fled down Route 125 and onto I-495 before police apprehended him near New Hampshire.


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