North Shore Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at the Devonport Bowling Club, in which a male offender fired a nail gun.
The incident happened at about 1.40pm yesterday afternoon, when the offender who was wearing a balaclava or similar facial disguise, entered the clubrooms, and demanded access to the bar.
Inside the clubrooms were three elderly female club members, who were in the process of preparing to enjoy a game of cards.
The three women thought the offender was making a delivery but quickly realised the man's intentions were more sinister, when his manner became more threatening.
One of the group calmly invited the offender to sit down and join them in game of cards.
The offender reacted by using abusive language, and he then fired the nail gun. The nail went into the top of a leader table located close by them.
All three victims were forced into the female toilets in the clubrooms. One of the group was manhandled by the offender.
A fourth elderly woman then arrived and she too was forced into the toilets with her friends. The eldest of the victims is 88 years of age. The others are 72 years, 76 years, and 78 years. All are shaken by the experience. Victim Support has been attending to each of the women.
The victims came out of the toilets about 30 minutes later when they had ascertained the offender had left the clubrooms. They called Police who arrived quickly on the scene. A wide search of the area was carried out, but the offender was not located.
Three of the victims had their bags, and contents stolen in the robbery.
Police are appealing to the residents of Devonport to check their properties for any items such as wallets, purses, bags, house keys or credit cards that may have been discarded in or around their homes.
Police have released a description of the offender:
Male
Maori or Polynesian
Age - early to mid 20's
Slim Build
Height - about 180 cm. [6']
This person had in their possession an orange or red coloured nail gun.These are gas operated. The offender was holding this gun in his hand,as he entered the clubrooms. Its appearance is similar to that of a hand drill.
The offender's mode of transport to or from the scene is not known.
Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of the Devonport Bowling Club at about 1.40pm yesterday Friday 30 June 2006, who may have seen a male similar to the one described, and who may have been acting in a suspicious manner. The Bowling Club is located in Cambridge Terrace, Devonport, [on northern boundary of the Devonport Domain.]
Police enquiries into this incident are continuing.
The North Shore CIB contact number for the public is 09-488-6200.