Witnesses and information sought after Whanganui bank robbery

Whanganui Police are appealing for information from the public to help identify and find a man who robbed the BNZ in Victoria Avenue this afternoon.

Police say the man, who had his face disguised with a balaclava, and carrying what appears to be a pistol marched purposely into the central city bank shortly after 3pm.

The man brushed aside one of the customers and demanded cash from a teller before fleeing the bank on foot with an undisclosed sum of money. No one was hurt but the incident has left the customers and staff shaken by what took place.

Several customers and staff were in the bank at the time and are now being spoken to by police.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby, head of Whanganui CIB, said police believe the offender left the bank and ran towards Guyton Street where he ducked down an alleyway leading into neighbouring Drews Avenue and then disappeared – possibly in a vehicle that may have been parked in the area.

“It’s vital that this man is quickly caught and information from the public will help us achieve this,” Mr Kirby said.

The offender is described as approximately 6ft tall, and was wearing a dark coloured possibly hooded jacket, blue jeans and wore a balaclava over his face.

“We know that some people were near the bank’s entrance and may have been about to go in when they realised the robbery was happening,” DSS Kirby said. “We ask these people to contact us because they will have information

Police want to hear from:

• People who were in the bank or who were about to enter the bank when they saw the robbery happening
• Information about any suspicious activity in or around the bank before and after the robbery
• Sightings of the offender once he left the alleyway onto Drews Avenue
• Information from anyone who knows who the offender is.

Police have released the following security camera images in the hope that someone recognises the man.

People with any information are asked to contact Whanganui Police on: telephone 06 349 0600. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.