Bandits Hit Three Banks, Escape With More Than $4,500 in Cash

Robbers hit three banks Wednesday in Escondido, Kearny Mesa and Hillcrest getting a total of just over $4,500, police said.

In the first robbery, a man brandished an automatic handgun at the Home Federal Savings and Loan on 250 E. Via Rancho Parkway in the North County Fair at 10:23 a.m., police said.

The robber ran away with $2,000.

The second robbery occurred at 12:25 p.m. at the Bank of America at 8949 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

There, a gray-haired robber simulated having a weapon in his jacket pocket and gave a note to a teller that said: “Give your money, thanks.” It was signed “Hard Times,” police said. He left on foot with $449. The robber wore dark sunglasses and had a mustache, police said.

In the third robbery, a man also got away on foot with $2,083 at the Grossmont Bank at 3737 5th Ave. Police said he walked up to a teller who was counting money and gave her a note that said: “Give me all your money.”

He wore extremely thick glasses, police said.