Bandits found the pen mightier than the gun in robberies that hit two local banks on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Monday, Nov. 9.

In separate incidents, two area banks were robbed after the thieves handed bank tellers threatening notes, only to be rewarded with bags of cash before each fled on foot.

The FBI's Philadelphia Division and the Philadelphia police are seeking the public's help in tracking down the crooks.

Officials do not believe the incidents were related.

The first robbery occurred at about noon on Wednesday, Nov. 4. A man, described by police as Hispanic, his mid-30s, between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall with a medium build, walked into the Beneficial Bank branch at 826 E. Allegheny Ave.

According to Special Agent J.J. Klaver, a spokesman of the FBI's Philadelphia office, the man walked right up to the counter and handed a teller a note demanding cash.

In images lifted from security tapes, the robber can be seen wearing a dark baseball cap with the letter "P" on it, along with a light blue T-shirt and a dark blue jacket.

After he received an undisclosed amount of cash, police said the man fled east on Allegheny Avenue and then turned, running north on H Street.

On Monday, Nov. 9, at around 1 p.m. another man robbed the TD Bank branch at 217 W. Lehigh Ave. in much the same way.

That robber, described as Hispanic, in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6 feet tall , 200 pounds with a heavy build, walked into the bank and also flashed a threatening note, said police.

Klaver said that he, too, walked away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

In images taken of that crime, the robber can be seen with a bald or shaven head, a closely cropped mustache and beard, wearing dark sunglasses, a black or dark heavy hooded sweat shirt with a gray lining and blue jeans.

After receiving the cash, Klaver said, the robber fled on foot and was last seen heading northbound on American Street.

Klaver said that while no one was injured in either robbery, both robbers should be considered armed and dangerous.

While law enforcement officials are currently investigating these crimes after receiving what Klaver called "good leads" from tipsters, he said police also are looking into similar robberies in the area to see if either man might be involved.

"In our experience, no one just robs one bank," said Klaver.

Anyone who might be able to provide law enforcement officials with any information on either robbery is asked to contact the FBI at 215-418-4000 or call city police department.

There may be a reward for information leading to the apprehension of either suspect, and tipsters will be kept anonymous.

Reporter Hayden Mitman can be reached at 215-354-3124 or hmitman@phillynews.com