Abbotsford police are hunting for a man armed with an “AIDS infected” syringe after a woman was staked out and robbed as she pulled up to a drive-through bank machine.

Const. Ian MacDonald said police couldn’t recall the last time someone used a syringe to rob another at the ATM, but were especially concerned about the “predatory” nature of the robbery.

The 37-year-old Abbotsford woman drove up to the machine at West Oaks Mall around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday when a man garbed in a ski mask and gloves told her to punch in her PIN number.

“He was also holding a syringe that he stated contained AIDS infected blood. The victim wisely followed the suspect’s demands,” MacDonald said.

Officers are expected to be on the lookout in days to come, especially around ATMs and banks.

“There’s a bit of a predatory nature to this robbery in that he, likely, was standing in or close to that ATM for a period of time,” MacDonald said.

“He’s waiting for an opportunity for a single individual, for a single occupant to drive up.”

Those with tips are asked to call police at 604-859-5225.