Knife-wielding bank robber behind over a dozen holdups across Ontario, police say

The knifepoint robberies of numerous banks across Ontario were all orchestrated by the same man, say police who laid more than two dozen charges against a suspect arrested this week.

The string of armed holdups happened between Feb. 8 and Feb. 25 in the Hamilton, Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton, Guelph, Halton and Niagara areas, Hamilton Police said.

In each of the 16 robberies, 14 of which were at banks, police say a man with a knife demanded cash from employees. The man wore a mask in some of the armed robberies, police say.

The robbery spree led police from multiple agencies to team up in a multi-jurisdictional investigation, which police say identified a suspect. An arrest was made on Wednesday.

Alan Haaksma, 52, of Oakville, is charged with 16 counts of robbery with offensive weapon, seven counts of disguise with intent and two counts of possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact police by calling 905-546-8934. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.

News Release – Man Arrested in Retail Robbery Investigation, Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, Peel, Halton and Niagara Regions, Images and video releasedhttps://t.co/gAk42m50h5 pic.twitter.com/YQYU7s39fY

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) February 27, 2025