A robber targeted a Brentwood High Street bank on Monday - the same branch which was the target of an armed robbery earlier this year.
But this time staff saw to it that the crook left empty handed.
The Santander bank was the target of a robbery by a man armed with a large knife who escaped with a four figure sum of money on Friday February 10.
On Monday the same branch was again targeted - this time by a man believed to be unarmed.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police are investigating after a man walked into Santander bank in the High Street at 4.55pm on Monday April 16 and demanded cash from the cashiers.
“However they lowered their screens and he left empty handed.
“Police searched the area and are currently reviewing CCTV.”
The man is described as white, aged in his 30s, of medium build, wearing a grey woolly peaked hat and a fluorescent sleeveless jacket.
The police helicopter searched for the suspect but so far police have made no arrests.
A spokesman for Santander said they couldn’t comment on a police matter.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the area investigation team at Ongar on 101.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here