Saturday, fleeing empty-handed from three of them and netting a paltry $449 from the two others, police said.
The suspect, a stocky black man wearing a Cincinnati Reds cap and believed to be about 30 years old, is being sought by police for his one-man crime ripple.
In the space of about 3 1/2 hours, the suspect entered the banks with a note and demanded money.
He got nothing from a Washington Heights Bank of America and a Washington Heights Capitol One, before nabbing a mere $50 from a Chase Bank on Columbus Ave. Twenty minutes later, he came away with nothing from a Citi Bank at Columbus Circle.
Perhaps tired of Manhattan, he headed to the Bronx and stole $399 from a Chase Bank on E. Fordham Road, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.