Cops probe two bank heists within half-hour

Police are investigating whether two bank robberies, committed within a half-hour of each other Thursday in Hempstead and West Hempstead, are the work of the same man.

The description of the bank robber in both cases was identical -- and Nassau County police said there is reason to suspect the two cases are related.

The first robbery occurred at a TD Bank branch on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead at 4:38 p.m. Thursday, police said. The second robbery occurred at a Capital One Bank branch on Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead at 5:10 p.m.

Police said the robber in both cases was described as a man in his 40s, possibly early 50s, about 6-foot-2, wearing a puffy gray jacket, a red-and-white Yankees baseball cap and silver-rimmed glasses.

No weapon was visible, but in both cases the robber handed a demand note to a teller and fled with cash. In the Hempstead robbery, police said the man fled on a bicycle. In the second robbery, police said he fled the scene on foot.

There were seven employees and three customers present during the first robbery.

There were seven employees and one customer present during the second robbery.

There were no injuries in either incident, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the robberies to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.