BERLIN (Reuters) - A German robber held up the same bank in Hamburg twice within 24 hours just a week after being released from jail -- for the same crime.

A police spokesman said on Friday the 50-year-old man went into a savings bank in the center of the northern port city and flashed a pistol, saying: "I was here yesterday, and I want money again today!"

The repeat offender made off with 450 euros ($600) but with the help of video surveillance cameras, police were able to detain him three hours later. They said he had been in jail for robbing banks in Hamburg in 2002 and 2004.