Police resolve to catch killer is still strong

Police in Bay of Plenty are re-igniting their investigation into a 36-year-old fatal shooting of a security guard in Rotorua; seeking to make the most of scientific advances.

Howard Percy was 65-years-old when he got into a struggle with an armed man attempting to rob an ANZ banking facility on Guy Fawkes (5 November), 1976.

The bank on an industrial area on Old Taupo Road was a remote satellite facility only used between the hours of 11.30am and 2pm Monday to Friday.
Shortly after the bank closed on 5 November, a staff member heard a noise at the rear of the building and when he went to investigate he was confronted by a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a sawn-off rifle.

When Mr Percy saw the offender they became involved in a struggle and Mr Percy was shot twice.

The offender fled empty-handed and tragically attempts to save Mr Percy were unsuccessful and he died on the way to hospital.

It was the second time in four months that the banking facility had been robbed. Four months earlier on 16 July Mr Percy was one of three staff members tied up by a lone offender who stole approximately $13,000.

There was an extensive investigation into the two robberies and the homicide and a number of persons of interest were identified but no charges were ever laid.

Crime Manager for Bay of Plenty District Police, Detective Inspector Tim Anderson said: "The passage of time doesn't lessen our resolve. In fact the passage of time can prove very useful as it allows us to make the most of advances in science and technology such as DNA and firearms analysis."

A number of items were recovered from the crime scene including a knife and a blue woollen balaclava.

"We are in the process of having all of these items examined using means that weren't available 36 years ago. We are also reviewed all of the original information to identify other possible avenues of enquiry," said DI Anderson.

"Equally important to us now, as it was then, is the public appeal. Not only does science and technology change over time; so do allegiances and relationships. It is possible that someone knew something crucial back in 1976 but their circumstances at that time prevented them from talking to us. Those circumstances may well have changed and we want to make clear it that the door is still open to them."

"Mr Percy's wife died never knowing who murdered her husband. We want to at least give some answers to his children and his grandchildren."

A special phone line and an email address have been set up by Police. Anyone with information relevant to this investigation can call 0800 4PERCY (0800 473729) or email Operation.Percy@police.govt.nz

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.