Police warn retailers to tighten up on their cash handling processes following yesterday's theft outside Newtown TAB

Wellington Police are urging local retailers and the community to tighten up on their cash handling processes, following the theft of a significant amount of money outside the TAB in Newtown yesterday morning.

Around 11 o'clock a security guard was leaving the TAB opposite the Caltex Service Station, when the cash bag he was carrying was snatched by an offender.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd says Police are continuing their investigation into the yesterday's theft and have spent the past 24 hours speaking to witnesses and making further inquiries.

The offender is 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.

"We'd like Newtown residents to be on the lookout for a green A4-sized cash bag which contained a large sum of money. The bag was about two inches deep with a zip on all four sides, sealed with a white tamper proof clip."

He says the offender or his two associates may have discarded the cash bag as they fled the scene, in the direction of Fergusson Street, towards Wellington Zoo. Newtown residents should check their backyards or any bush areas surrounding their property for the cash bag.

Martin Todd says anyone with any information should contact Police immediately on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.