Man, 52, busted for 16 armed robberies in GTA and Niagara Region

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A 52-year-old man is accused of more than a dozen knifepoint robberies – mostly of banks – in and around the GTA and Niagara Region.

Toronto Police say the series of armed heists targeted 14 banks and two retail stores in Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, Peel Region, Halton Region and Niagara Region between Feb. 8 and Feb. 25.

“It is alleged that in each incident a lone male suspect entered each premise and produced a knife,” Const. Ashley Visser said in a statement released Thursday.

She said the man, who “wore a mask to disguise his identity” in several of the robberies, approached employees, demanded cash and took off with stolen loot.

Investigators have released video of one of the robberies that shows the man wielding a large knife while wearing a black toque on his head and a blue medical mask pulled down below his chin.

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A suspect was identified and taken into custody on Wednesday.

“It is further alleged that at the time of arrest, officers recovered a quantity of cash,” Visser said.

She said cops subsequently executed a search warrant where they allegedly “recovered a quantity of cash and other items of evidentiary value related to the investigation.”

Alan Haaksma, of Oakville, is charged with six counts each of robbery with an offensive weapon and wearing a disguise with intent.

“Members of the investigative team are continuing their investigation and further charges are expected to follow,” Visser said.

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette