Police still seeking robbers

Police are still looking for two armed men who robbed a bank courier last week in front of the Desert School Federal Credit Union in the 4900 block of East Ray Road.

Police thought they had the trail of the two when they interviewed residents of a home in the 5000 block of East Nambe Street. No arrests were made, although officers took some items into custody as possible evidence.

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It was the latest in a long string of bank robberies in the Valley, and in Ahwatukee Foothills.

"We go through cycles where we have numerous robberies," said office Luis Samudio, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department.

To combat the wave of robberies, which could top 270 this year, or more than double that occurred in 2007, the FBI has formed a bank robbery task force.

And while it has made some impressive arrests, including at least three bank robbers responsible for 15 separate heists, the upward trend continues.

Ahwatukee Foothills' geography appears to be playing a role as to which banks get targeted.

According to police, easy access to Interstate 10 and the close proximity of the Gila River Indian Community, Chandler, Tempe and Guadalupe, all make it easier for a criminal to escape.

So far, eight of nine bank robberies in Ahwatukee Foothills have taken place in a narrow strip between I-10 and 48th Street with the ninth at 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard.

While nothing can be done to change the availability of escape routes, police say the criminals might be stopped eventually if residents make sure to notice details and get that information to police.

Blair John Daehling, a suspect in at least seven robberies, was arrested after a reserve Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy saw him putting on his disguise before entering a Scottsdale bank. The Deputy called police and jotted down the license plate of the car. In the end Daehling and his wife, Brandy Heidrick-Daehling were arrested and have been charged in federal court.

"Be a good witness for the police department," Samudio asked. And report any suspicious activity immediately to 9-1-1.

Last week's robbery of the bank courier was carried out by a black male in his mid-20's, around 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 160 to 170 pounds, dressed in black, with a ski mask and gloves. The second suspect was a white male, 150 to 160 pounds, also in his mid-20's, wearing sunglasses and a ski mask.

Anyone with information on the latest robbery of the courier June 12 in front of Desert School Federal Credit Union is asked Crimestop (602) 262-6151.