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Man facing 13 charges after four Surrey bank robberies in one week

SURREY —RCMP have arrested and charged a Surrey man after he allegedly robbed four banks in late January.

The robberies took place on Jan. 17 (Whalley), Jan. 21 (Guildford), Jan. 23 (Whalley), and Jan. 24 (Cloverdale), and police say no one was injured.

“There was a threat of violence by a note,” said Cpl. Bert Paquet, adding the suspect didn’t pull out a gun or weapon during the robberies.

Darrin Andrew Pelland, 30, was arrested on Jan. 31 and was carrying a concealed weapon at the time.

He has been in custody since his arrest and while more charges are expected, he has been charged with 13 offences so far.

“Our officers were able to link all four bank robberies based on video surveillance footage and witnesses descriptions and were able to focus in on a single suspect,” said Cpl. Bert Paquet. “With the rapid succession of the offences, the arrest undoubtedly prevented more robberies from being committed.”

Pelland faces five counts of robbery, four counts of disguise with intent, as well as charges for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a prohibited firearm and carrying a loaded firearm with ammunition.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Surrey RCMP’s Robbery Unit at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS to remain anonymous.

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