It happened at the Citibank branch at 1211 Walnut Street shortly before noon.
Investigators say the robber entered the bank and gave a teller a threatening demand note. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber fled on foot.
No one was hurt.
The suspect is described as a white male in his mid 40's, 5'8" to 5'9" tall, medium build, with a bald or shaved head, wearing sunglasses turned backwards (on the back of his head), blue jeans, and a black zip-up jacket. He was carrying a small, zippered blue pouch or money-bag.
Investigators believe he is the man who robbed the same bank back on December 31st. He is now considered a serial robber.
He is not the only one. Police are anxious to catch another bandit who pulled off four bank robberies in the last week of 2009.
In 2008, there were 91 bank robberies in Philadelphia.
In 2009, there were 130, a jump of 42-percent.
Police say most are committed by a small group of repeat offenders.
Special Agent Bastian Freund, who tracks the robberies back at the FBI field office in Philadelphia, says the FBI can't blame the economy or any other social factor. He says spikes like the one from last year come in waves.
The FBI is also tracking another alarming trend that shows point of gun robberies are on the rise. Most robbers, like the one who hit the bank today, show demand notes. But, Agent Freund warns bank employees and customers that you have to assume they also have hidden weapons.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Philadelphia Police Department. There may be a reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of this subject. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
