Mainz, Germany - A man accused of robbing his local bank three times in 11 months told a court on Thursday that he was always polite when demanding money.

"I knew everyone who worked there, that's why I was never rude to them," the 40-year-old said on the first day of his trial in the western city of Mainz.

The man admitted stealing 51,500 euros (81,000 dollars) from the Sparkasse savings bank between February and November 2007 in order to finance his cocaine habit.

On each occasion, he cycled to the premises, donned a ski mask and held up the teller with a starter's pistol.

"I was surprised how quickly they handed over the money," he said.

The man said gun was unloaded in the first two robberies. Police nabbed him as he left the bank after the third heist.