Police are investigating an attempted robbery, which took place outside the New World supermarket in Onerahi, Whangarei today.
About 11.30am a security guard collected some cash from the supermarket and as he walked up to his car and opened the door a man punched him then tried to wrestle the cash bag from him.
A member of the public has approached the offender as he was assaulting the security guard and the offender has run off. He was last seen heading on foot towards the Onerahi Primary School. He didn’t manage to get the cash bag off the security guard.
Police began a search of the area and called in a Police dog handler to assist.
However, the offender has yet to be located.
He is described as Maori in his late teens or early 20s and was wearing a black jumper, black pants and a light coloured grey and blue cap.
Police would like to thank the man who intervened when the robbery was in progress.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said this man may have prevented further injury to the security guard and also stopped the offender getting any cash.
The security guard was taken to Whangarei Hospital with minor injuries including a cut on his face and concussion.
Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the robbery. In particular they would like to hear from a woman who passed on some information to another member of the public, but didn’t stay to speak to police.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Jade Henry at Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or if they wish to remain anonymous they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.