Public directly assists in arrest of Chartwell robbers

Hamilton Police are crediting the actions of witnesses in greatly assisting them in the prompt arrest of a group of men involved in the robbery of an armoured money van in the north of the City this afternoon.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene said Police received dozens of 111 calls to the Northern Communications Centre in relation to the aggravated robbery at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Chartwell about 1.40pm.

"It appears at this stage that the crew of an Armourguard security van have been assaulted by some of the occupants of a silver Nissan sedan on the second floor of the Chartwell shopping centre's car park building and a large some of money was taken.

"Dozens of people took the effort to phone 111 and report what was going on allowing us to quickly converge on the area."

Mr Greene said one witness, a builder, wasn't happy with just phoning in what was happening and decided to intervene, driving his vehicle into the robbers' getaway car.

"Police always take the position of not encouraging direct intervention in such situations rather reporting from a safe distance allowing us to respond.

"However this person's actions slowed the offenders escape allowing officers to converge on a point on nearby Egmont St where the offenders exchanged vehicle, guided by other 111 calls, and arrest five men and we are grateful for that assistance."

Mr Greene said Police would be looking at an appropriate method of showing their appreciation.

"Meanwhile our staff are currently interviewing the offenders and witness while a forensic examination of the getaway vehicles is currently underway."