Police are releasing security camera footage and will be talking to people in Tawa Mall today following yesterday's BNZ Bank robbery.
A man entered the bank around 1.30pm and threatened a female teller with a silver coloured pistol. He left with several thousand dollars.
The bank robbery is the second in a week after a man robbed the Westpac Bank in Petone last Friday. Fifteen people witnessed the Petone robbery and several other people have come forward with information, but police are still seeking further information in relation to the Petone robbery suspect's identity.
While the suspect for yesterday's robbery in Tawa appears to look different, Police are not ruling out the possibility that the robberies could be connected.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Saunders says the situation is unusual because with the good security banks have these days, bank robberies are not common.
"We haven't had a bank robbery like this for a long time," he says.
Police describe the man who robbed the Tawa BNZ as: • European • possibly aged in his 20s • approx. 5ft 8in to 5ft 11in tall • slim to medium build • wearing a multi-coloured, striped beanie • wearing a possibly green jacket or windbreaker
During the robbery he covered the front of his face with his black shirt, says Detective Sergeant Saunders.
He left the bank and walked south across the car park towards Oxford Terrace.
"We have security footage showing he was milling about Tawa Mall before the robbery. He picked his time to enter the bank when no customers were around.
"The police are interested in any sightings of him either in or around Tawa Mall or entering or leaving the BNZ."
Police will be handing out leaflets and speaking to people around Tawa Mall from 1.30pm today.
Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew SAUNDERS at the Porirua Police Station on Tel: 04 238 1400.
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For security camera footage or further information please contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Saunders on Tel: 04 238 1400.