Three masked men have robbed a money exchange business in central Wellington this morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller, Wellington CIB, says the robbery at a Manners Mall business happened at 10.55am today. Details are sketchy as officers are still at the scene.
It appears that three masked men, believed to be European/Polynesian, and one of them carrying a knife, confronted staff members and customers at the exchange.
"Staff members were ordered to lie on the floor before the offenders fled with the money. We don't know as yet how much was taken or in what currency or denominations."
He says the staff and customers were shaken but unhurt.
The offenders disappeared into Manners Mall. Police have been searching the area for them.
The offenders who were all wearing white painters dusk masks on their faces are described as:
1. male, well built/solid, wearing a blue beanie with distinctive orange flames around it, light coloured clothing and a dusk mask
2. dark skinned male, possibly part Maori, 179 - 180cm tall (5ft 11 to 6ft), solid build, wearing a dark sweatshirt, dark pants - possibly trackpants, white running shoes, a dusk mask and carrying a kitchen carving knife with a blade between 25cm to 30cm long.
3. male, dark sunglasses, a mask and wearing a long black coat to his knees.
People who witnessed the robbery or who saw people acting suspiciously in the Manners Mall area are asked to contact Wellington CIB on telephone
381 2000.
Released by
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
Tel 04 496 3464
0274 373 020
Ends