Man Fails at Robbing a Bank Because Staff Couldn't Read His Handwriting

A 67-year-old retired man has become popular for his poor robbery skills after his poor writing skills cost him his attempt to rob a bank. Here is how it happened.

Robberies fail for many reasons, which sometimes might include being caught by authorities or a failed strategy. But recently, a bold bank robbery failed because the mastermind had poor handwriting.

67-year-old retired Alan Slattery thought too highly of his robbery skills and decided to rob a bank in Eastbourne, UK, with a handwritten note. Unfortunately, while his tactics were quite new, it was not good enough to make him succeed.

According to reports, Slattery had approached three banks in Eastbourne and Hastings within two weeks, using written notes to ask the cashiers to hand over money to him.

His first robbery attempt happened on March 18 at a Nationwide Building Society branch in Eastbourne, hoping to rob the bank. Unfortunately, the cashier could not read his poorly written note, so he left the bank with nothing.

For his second attempt, which happened on March 26, Slattery went to the Nationwide Building Society branch in London Road, St Leonards, and handed a note containing threats to the cashier who handed him £2,400 ($about $3,300) in cash out of fear.

Before his next robbery move, the police had already been made aware of his threatening notes. So the police seized the notes and took hold of the bank's CCTV footage.

Slattery was given a six-year sentence at Lewes Crown Court following his guilty plea.

to a Facebook post by the Sussex Police, Slattery's inexperience got the best of him as he used a bus pass while trying to escape from one of the banks he had approached.

The police were able to get his details from the bus after seeing him board the bus in the footage. But before his arrest, the 67-year-old man made one last attempt at stealing.

While police officers were trying to trace Slattery, they received a call from the NatWest bank in Havelock Road, Hastings, in April, reporting a man who had walked into the bank demanding money with a threatening note.

Before the police could arrive at the scene, the cashier had bravely handled the situation, ensuring the amateur robber left the bank empty-handed. After the incident, officers swung into action in search of the bank thief.

They visited his last known address, and fortunately, he was found walking in the neighborhood. He was then arrested on suspicion of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.

Authorities discovered sticky labels that were similar to those given to NatWest bank employees while searching his home. Also, a jacket that matched the man who attempted to rob the NatWest bank was seen in his house, confirming him as the suspect.

Slattery was given a six-year sentence at Lewes Crown Court following his guilty plea. His sentence included four years in prison and two years on probation.

Following his arrest and sentence, investigating officer detective constable Jay Fair thanked witnesses and victims for their cooperation, leading to his arrest. Such situations, according to Fair, could create fear among the public.