Brutal Robbery On North Shore

North Shore Police are describing the aggravated robbery of a popular hairdressing salon in Takapuna as brutal, callous, and brazenly opportunist.

Police say that at 8.15pm on Thursday 17 September 2009 an armed man has walked into the Rodney Wayne Hairdressing Salon in the Westfield Shopping Mall and presented a sawn off double barrel shotgun at both the female receptionist and the male manager.

There were nine staff and seven clients in the salon at the time.

The offender pointed the weapon at the receptionist and then punched her in the throat. He motioned the shotgun to the head of a second female staff member. He then proceeded into the centre of the salon and held the shotgun to the shoulder of the manager while demanding cash.

A small quantity of cash was seized and the offender then ran from the salon onto Anzac Street. The incident lasted about a minute and a half. Police have issued a description of the heavily disguised man.

Male – Polynesian or Maori
Age – mid twenties
Height – 166 cm tall –
Medium build - Brown eyes
Clothing – wearing fluorescent green scarf that covered his face, knee length brown grey jacket, light blue baggy jeans, possibly gloves.

The offender had possession of a double barreled shotgun that has been shortened in length. The offender had a strong smell of body odour. He was carrying a fluorescent pink cloth bag with two handles. The bag measures 30cm x 30cm.

A team of detectives and police from the North Shore CIB and the Takapuna CIU are investigating. A forensic examination is in progress at the scene. Witnesses are being interviewed. Staff and clients will be counseled and Victim Support is assisting in this.

Police say the offender was agitated and unstable in his behaviour during the robbery. With so many people in the salon there was real potential for further violence and injury.

Police urge any member of the public who was in the vicinity of the Westfield Mall in Takapuna near the Anzac Street entrance to the Rodney Wayne Hairdressing salon prior to 8.15pm last night to call 09 477 5000 immediately.