Nanaimo RCMP are looking for at least one suspect after a customer at a Bank of Montreal in north Nanaimo had cash snatched from their hands while inside. (Google Maps)

By Jordan Davidson

crime of oppurtunity

‘Grabbed it and took off:’ suspect snatches money from customer at Nanaimo bank

Jan 6, 2025 | 11:56 AM

NANAIMO — Mid-Island Mounties are looking for at least one suspect in relation to a brazen day-time snatch-and-grab robbery at a north Nanaimo bank.

Police say the incident occurred on Friday, Jan. 3 around 1:45 p.m., when a customer was standing in line at the Bank of Montreal in Dickinson Crossing at 6908 Island Hwy.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien with the Nanaimo RCMP said the victim was in the process of being handed an undisclosed amount of cash from a bank employee.

“Another individual was standing in line, they seized upon this opportunity and snatched the money away from the people. They weren’t injured, there was no threats made, no weapon was produced. That individual was seen leaving and may have been accompanied by a woman, and they were seen entering a dark-coloured pick-up.”

He said police were on scene within minutes but were unable to locate the suspects.

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The male suspect is described as Caucasian, around 6’3″ tall, wearing dark clothing, sunglasses, a dark hat, and a black medical mask.

The female suspect is described as wearing grey sweatpants and white shoes.

“It doesn’t happen very often, that’s why we call it a crime of opportunity,” said O’Brien. “The suspect was standing in line and saw the money being handed to the other customer and grabbed it and took off.”

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

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