Bank Robberies - Two in one day in Bay of Plenty District, 11:00am

Shortly after 11am on Thursday the 4th of December 2008, a male entered the BNZ Bank in Jellicoe Street Te Puke and demanded money from the tellers.

After being given a quantity of money, the male left the bank and went through adjoining businesses before getting into a vehicle.

As a result of public information a 42 year old Whakatane man was located by Police staff from Tauranga and Whakatane in the Matata area.

A firearm, items of clothing, cash and and a vehicle have been recovered by Police.

The man will appear in the Tauranga District Court on Friday the 5th of December charged with Aggravated Robbery. The man will also face a charge of Aggravated Robbery which relates to the gunpoint robbery of the BNZ Bank in Greerton on Friday the 5th September 2008.

At about 1.30pm on Thursday the 4th of December 2008, another male entered the National Bank in Jellicoe Street, Te Puke, and demanded money from staff by handing over a note containing references to a firearm.
After being given cash the male left the scene but then waited outside the bank for Police to arrive.

A 40 year old man will appear in the Tauranga District Court on Friday the 5th of December 2008 charged with robbery.

Victim support are providing assistance to the affected bank staff and Police are grateful for the assistance their staff received from members of the public which provided information enabling the prompt arrest of these two men.