Wellington Police hunt offender who stole substantial amount of cash from security guard

Wellington Police are hunting for an offender who snatched a large amount of cash from a security guard in Newtown earlier today.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd says at about 11 o'clock this morning, a security guard was leaving the TAB on the corner of Riddiford and Donald McLean Streets in Newtown, opposite the Caltex Service Station, when the cash bag he was carrying was snatched by the offender.

"The offender has grabbed the cash bag containing a substantial sum of money and fled back up Donald McLean Street, where he was met by two males who all ran off in the direction of Fergusson Street."

Martin Todd says this was a scary experience for the security guard who has been left very shaken by the incident.

Police are continuing to look for the offender, described as a light-skinned Maori or Pacific Islander, aged in his 20s of medium build, around five foot 10. He was wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, black and white sneakers and a dark coloured cap with a wide brim.

"There were a number of people in the vicinity of the TAB at the time of the incident, even though it was closed at the time. We're urging anyone with any information who may have seen the offender or his associates at about 11 o'clock this morning to contact Police immediately on either (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."