British bobbies hunt burqa-clad bandit

updated 8:07 p.m. ET Aug. 26, 2009

LONDON - British police say they're on the trail of a burqa-clad bandit, or bandits, who robbed three different locations in the past two months.

Police said Tuesday that three armed men, one wearing a full-body veil, stole tens of thousands of pounds (dollars) worth of watches from a jewelers in Banbury, 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of London.

Monday's theft follows two incidents in which an assailant wearing a black burqa robbed travel agents in the English towns of Dunstable and Luton, both about 45 miles (70 kilometers) away.

The first robbery occurred in early July. Another occurred about a month later.

Detective Constable Steve Guerin says police aren't sure whether there's a connection between the robberies, but they seem "strikingly similar."

More from msnbc.com FirstPerson: Reasons why readers are thankful Elkhart Project: Money pours in, pet adoptions increase Swine flu fears for hajj pilgrims 570,000 pager messages from 9/11 released   Silver Lining: Tales of struggle and hope On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM WEIRD NEWS

Weird news Section Front

S. Africa's baboon gangs get more aggressive Kangaroo slashes man in dog-rescue attempt Woman loses benefits over Facebook pics Life in prison for scaring woman to death Strange ancient crocodiles swam the Sahara Mad science? Growing meat without animals Utah teen to fight citation for McDonald's rap 'Geezer Bandit' sought in Calif. bank heists $40,000 left at holy site — for safekeeping Lawmaker apologizes for insulting rival on Twitter Weird news Section Front   Add Weird news headlines to your news reader: