Not so sweet North Texas “Cookie Bandits” sought by FBI

These are real cookie crooks, and FBI agents hope the suspects will crumble soon.

Federal officials and local law enforcement agencies have asked for help in identifying two suspects responsible for at least 30 holdups at North Texas businesses since October.

The armed bandits have hit fast-food sandwich restaurants, convenience stores, discount stores and other restaurants, stealing cigarettes, money and snacks -including cookies.

FBI agents on Wednesday released photos from surveillance cameras of the suspects in the hope that someone will recognize them.

“In most instances, the suspects run into the business through the front doors, leap over the cashier’s counter and demand cigarettes, money and snacks,” said Katherine Chaumont, spokeswoman with the FBI field office in Dallas, in a news release. “The suspects are armed with handguns, but to date, no one has been physically injured.”

Investigators say they believe the suspects began their robbery spree in October, hitting businesses in four cities - Dallas, Garland, Mesquite and Seagoville. Authorities estimated that the duo could be responsible for at least 30 holdups, and that number could be higher.

Witnesses described the suspects as African-American men, in their 20s. One is about 6-foot-2, about 180 pounds. The other is 5-foot-8, weighing 180 pounds. Typically, they wear jeans, gloves and dark hooded jackets, and keep their faces hidden by cinching the hoods very tightly. In several robberies, one of the suspects has worn red gloves.

FBI agents believe other suspects could be with the two suspects.

The suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information should call the FBI Dallas office at 972-559-5000 or a local police department.

This story was originally published February 26, 2015 at 8:59 AM with the headline "Not so sweet North Texas “Cookie Bandits” sought by FBI."