Aggravated robbery at Newlands Pharmacy

At approximately 2:30pm on Saturday 17 January 2009, a male entered the Newlands Pharmacy store, situated in McMillan Court, Newlands and robbed the pharmacy of cash.
Due to striking similarities with three previous robberies this week (Shell Service Station, Constable Street, Newtown and 2 x Caltex Service Station, Broadway, Miramar) police consider the same person may be responsible for all four offences.
On this occasion a male approached the store attendant and demanded she hand over money from the till while brandishing a small axe that he pulled out from underneath his clothing.
The offender left the store with a small amount of cash and was last seen jogging away towards Stewart Drive.
The offender is described as:
„X male
„X Indian
„X mid 20 years old
„X short in height (approx 5ft 7')
„X thin build
„X short black hair
„X clean shaven
Wearing:
„X black beanie
„X light coloured hooded sweatshirt
„X '77' numbers across the back of his top
„X blue jeans
„X brown belt

Police wish to hear from anyone who may have seen the offender or any suspicious people, or vehicles in the area at the time.
In particular police would like to hear from a male and female who were waiting for a bus on Stewart Drive adjacent to McMillan Court, they are both described as Maori, aged between 40 - 50 years and it is believed they may have seen the offender leaving the scene.
Police urge anyone who can help with information about these robberies or who knows who the identity of the offender to urgently contact Wellington Police on 0800 TIPOFF (0800) 847633.

John van den Heuvel
Detective Sergeant
Wellington CIB