Christchurch Police are appealing for public help after a spate of armed robberies has traumatised victims for little financial gain.
Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas, Papanui Police, says it's not clear if there is any link between the three robberies which have taken place over a nine-day period. "We're concerned that firearms are being presented and the distress this causes to shop, bar or bank staff, and to members of the public who get caught up in robberies.
"In this electronic age many businesses don't carry a lot of cash," she said. "Robberies are high risk, both for offenders and more importantly for the many innocent victims who have been prevented from doing their job or going about their day to day living."
The ANZ branch in Avonhead was targeted on Friday, 18 June; the Post Shop Kiwibank branch in St Albans on Saturday afternoon, 26 June and the Leithfield Hotel in North Canterbury on Saturday night, 26 June.
Police have released photos as part of an appeal for sightings and information about the offenders and vehicles used in the Edgeware Road Post Shop/Kiwibank robbery which happened about 12.30pm on Saturday, 26 June.
Two heavily disguised men, one visibly armed with a firearm, went into the bank, ordered customers to the floor and demanded tellers put money into a bag. The two men then left in a dark blue 1992 Subaru Legacy station wagon EQF512 which had been stolen from Riccarton on Friday. This car was abandoned soon after the robbery, 1.1km in Packe Street, Edgeware.
Police want sightings of this stationwagon any time from Friday morning, 25 June through to early Saturday afternoon. Officers believe a third person was in the car, parked close to the bank shortly before the robbery happened.
The robbers fled with an undisclosed sum of money. The two who entered the bank wore dark headwear, white masks similar to those used when painting or sanding, dark jeans and skate shoes.
On Saturday night, a woman closing up the bar at the Leithfield Hotel, on Old Main Road, Rangiora, was tied up and robbed by a man wearing a balaclava, dark clothing and carrying a firearm.
The robber demanded keys to the safe, and left through a window with some money.
"The woman managed to free herself and call for help," Detective Senior Sergeant Le Bas said. "We're not sure if the offender left in a vehicle or if anyone else was involved."
Police also want sightings and information about a silver 1998 Subaru Impreza which was used in the robbery of the ANZ bank at Avonhead Mall about 11.20am on Friday 18 June. The car had been stolen earlier from Dee Street, St Albans and was dumped in nearby Greendale Place.
The offender, disguised with a rainjacket, hood and glasses, passed a note to the teller demanding money.
"Police need help with solving these robberies," Detective Senior Sergeant Le Bas said. "We're trawling through CCTV footage to see if images will help. But it's more than likely people have seen something suspicious before or after the robberies have happened, or overheard people talking about them.
"We urge anyone with information to contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Ends
Media contact: Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas, tel 03 363 7400,
Photos are:
The stolen 1992 Subaru Legacy stationwagon EQF512 used in the Post Shop/Kiwi Bank Edgeware Road robbery.
Offenders in the Edgeware Road robbery
Offender in the Avonhead ANZ Ro
