FEASTING ON BUCKS

Separate bids by note-carrying crooks to rob banks in Maspeth and Forest Hills on back-to-back days last week ended with mixed results, police said, as one bandit was able to withdraw cash while the other walked away empty-handed.

Law enforcement sources said a robber gained an undisclosed amount of money while holding up the Sterling National Bank branch at 108-01 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills last Friday afternoon, Nov. 21.

The caper proved more successful than a failed attempt by a notecarrying suspect to swipe cash from the Cross County Federal Savings bank branch located at 60-20 Fresh Pond Rd. in Maspeth the day before, Thursday, Nov. 20, it was reported.

At press time, both suspects remain at large.

Regarding the Forest Hills heist, law enforcement sources said the trouble began at around 12:45 p.m. last Friday at the Sterling National branch located near the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 108th Street.

Police said the suspect— described as a caucasian male wearing black clothing and a ski mask— entered the location and slipped a note to a teller demanding cash.

During the investigation that followed, authorities said, it was determined that no weapons were displayed by the suspect.

Reportedly, the bank employee handed the perpetrator an undisclosed amount of currency. Upon receiving the dough, law enforcement sources said, the crook fled from the scene on foot, running south along 71st Avenue.

Members of the 112th Precinct responded to the scene. No injuries were reported.

Various police units canvassed the surrounding area for the suspect; despite their efforts, law enforcement sources said, no immediate arrests were made.

Last Thursday's attempted robbery in Maspeth occurred at around 1:20 p.m. at the Cross County branch located at the corner of Fresh Pond and 60th roads, police said.

According to authorities, the perpetrator behind the caper— described as an African-American male in his 30s standing at 5'7" tall and weighing 150 pounds—entered the location and, upon arriving at the counter, handed a demand note to the teller.

Police said the bandit claimed in the note that he was armed with a firearm.

The teller reportedly went to show the message to the branch manager. By the time the employee returned to the window, authorities said, the suspect had fled from the scene.

Members of the 104th Precinct responded to the scene and searched with other NYPD units the surrounding area for the suspect. No immediate arrests were made.

The perpetrator was last observed wearing a maroon-hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses jeans and gloves, according to police.

The NYPD Major Case Squad is conducting the ongoing investigation into both cases, it was noted.

Anyone with any information regarding the capers that could prove helpful is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or send a text message to 274637, followed by the code "TIP577."

All calls and messages will be kept confidential.