Police Seek ‘Envelope Bandit’ Who Hit S

Police were looking Tuesday for a man they have dubbed “the envelope bandit,” who robbed a Rancho Bernardo savings and loan and is believed to have robbed 11 other North County banks and savings and loans, authorities said.

The robber walked into the Flagship Federal Savings & Loan in the 12400 block of Rancho Bernardo Road about 11 a.m. and asked a teller for change for $5, police said.

The man then passed the teller a plain, white envelope on which he had written that he had a gun and wanted “hundreds, fifties and twenties.” He fled with $1,180, police spokesman Bill Robinson said.

Police described the thief, who left through the east door of the building, as white, about 28 years old, 5-foot-8 or 5-foot-9 and weighing 140 pounds. He has black hair, and was wearing a blue windbreaker-type jacket with white trim during Tuesday’s robbery.