'Cal Bear Bandit' and 'Hills Bandit' sought in Orange County bank robberies

COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two bank robberies that occurred Monday in Orange County have been linked to two separate serial bank robbers who remain at large, officials said.

The "Cal Bear Bandit" and "Hills Bandit" are being sought by the Orange County Bank Robbery Apprehension Team.

The "Cal Bear Bandit" is wanted in three robberies, with the latest being at a Bank of America branch in Costa Mesa, where he passed a note demanding cash and threatened a weapon as well as an explosive device. No explosive devices were found.

Authorities say he earned the name "Cal Bear" because he has worn a California Republic hat in more than one robbery. He is also linked to a robbery at Farmers & Merchants Bank in Orange on Sept. 3 and Chase Bank in San Juan Capistrano on Aug. 20.

The "Hills Bandit" is linked to nine robberies dating back to May in Orange and San Diego counties. The latest one was on Monday at a U.S. Bank in Laguna Niguel in which he passed a note demanding cash and threatened a weapon. He also attempted to rob a Union Bank in La Jolla the same day.

The "Hills Bandit" is wanted for robberies at Cal Bank & Trust in San Diego on Aug. 25, Wells Fargo in Laguna Niguel on Aug. 22, U.S. Bank in Laguna Hills on Aug. 8, U.S. Bank in Carlsbad on Aug. 5, Citibank in Lake Forest on July 25, Citibank in Laguna Hills on July 16, and Wells Fargo in Laguna Hills on May 6.