Canadian thief known as 'Phantom Bandit' arrested in Barrington

A convicted bank robber known as the “Phantom Bandit” in Canada has been arrested for trying to steal alcohol twice in the last week in northwest suburban Barrington.

Gilbert William Galvan, 57, is charged with four felony counts of retail theft, according to Barrington police.

On Saturday, he tried to steal about $1,000 worth of alcoholic beverages from a Jewel-Osco at 150 W. Main St. in Barrington before he was confronted by a store employee, according to police.

Two days later, he again tried to steal alcoholic beverages and other items from the same store, but was taken into custody in the parking lot, police said.

In Canada, Galvan was a bank robber and jewel thief known as the “Phantom Bandit,” police said. He was released from federal custody in December 2014 and now lives in Lake Zurich.