Mr. Magoo Bandit suspected of 12 bank robberies in California

The bank robber dubbed the Mr. Magoo bandit by the FBI is now suspected of a dozen bank jobs from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay Area.

His latest robbery was a bank in Thousand Oaks on Oct. 8, the FBI said. He also is suspected of striking a bank in Camarillo on Sept. 27.

The suspect in all 12 robberies is described as a white male in his 40s, with thick glasses and short dirty blond hair, the FBI said. The similarity to the famous cartoon character gave rise to the nickname.

The Mr. Magoo bandit displays a calm demeanor, uses a note to demand money and warn against getting an explosive dye-pack, the FBI said. He sometimes thanks tellers for being cooperative.

Unlike most bank robbers, he makes no attempt at a disguise. His range -- six banks in San Diego, four in the San Francisco area and two in Ventura County -- is also unusual, the FBI said.

Anyone with information should call the FBI in San Diego, Los Angeles or San Francisco.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: The Mr. Magoo Bandit on bank surveillance camera. Credit: FBI