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Guilty pleas in 'surgical-mask bandit' heists

Travis Jensen-Pickford – arrested in White Rock in June 2013 – pleaded guilty Tuesday to 12 counts of robbery.
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One of four images released by police in June 2013

A White Rock man arrested more than two years ago in connection with a string of ATM robberies that had police describing the perpetrator as the "surgical mask bandit" has pleaded guilty to the crimes.

The Criminal Justice Branch confirmed Friday that Travis Jensen-Pickford entered the plea on 12 counts of robbery and one count of "using an imitation firearm in the course of committing indictable offenses" during an appearance Nov. 10 in Surrey Provincial Court.

"The offenses are alleged to have occurred on various dates in the time period from May 12 to June 15, 2013," branch spokesman Neil MacKenzie told Peace Arch News by email.

All but two of the robberies occurred on the Semiahmoo Peninsula; one occurred in Newton and another near 186 Street and Fraser Highway.

In each instance, a victim was approached by a masked man while withdrawing money from an ATM during non-banking hours.

Jensen-Pickford was arrested at a White Rock residence on June 15, 2013, and police announced 36 charges: 12 counts of robbery with a weapon, 12 counts of using an imitation firearm in commission of an offence and 12 counts of disguise with intent

The following month, he elected to be tried on the charges by a Supreme Court judge and jury.

Following last week's guilty pleas, the proceedings were adjourned until March 31 for preparation of a pre-sentence report.

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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