Thug in a Rug: Why the FBI gives nicknames to serial bank robbers
Jun 29, 2016, 8:42 AM
The Thug in a Rug has hit another bank in the Puget Sound region.
The robbery suspect has hit three banks in Federal Way and one in Seattle: a Key Bank on Feb. 5; Homestreet Bank on Feb. 18; Unibank on May 24; and another Homestreet Bank on June 3.
But after reading all that, what you are likely remembering the most is “Thug in a Rug.” And that’s the point, according to Seattle FBI spokesperson Ayne Deitrich-Williams.
“The Safe Streets Task Force comes up with nicknames for bank robbers, first of all, so we can internally refer to them easily,” Deitrich-Williams said. “There are a lot of bank robbers, and when somebody stands out with the same MO, then it’s easy to slap a name on them. In this case, somebody wearing a wig.”
“We also like to use the nickname when we talk to the public because we want something to stand out in the public’s mind,” she said. “If they are a witness to one of these robberies, they would know it’s not just any person acting suspiciously, it’s a known bank robber so pay attention to note any details.”
There is considerable effort to come up with the perfect alliteration or rhyme that makes an impression. It’s worked in the past.
“Remember ‘Bad Hair Bandit’ in 2011?” Deitrich-Williams said. “One of her bank robberies was thwarted because when she walked into a bank, one of the tellers yelled, ‘Bad Hair Bandit!’ And she walked out.”
Local authorities are currently on the hunt for the Thug in a Rug. He may have a tattoo on his upper-right chest, and may have a twitch in his eye. And, of course, he wears a rather noticeable wig.
“In each of the robberies, the suspect is wearing wig,” Deitrich-Williams said. “During the June 3 robbery, the most recent one, he was described as possibly having a mustache — that was possibly real hair. All the rest, he has a not-so-great wig.”
Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is offering up to $1,000 as a reward for information that helps capture the suspect. Anyone with information about the Thug in a Rug can call the FBI at 206-622-0460, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous.
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