Armed And Waiting

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday April 30, 2008

By DAN PROUDMAN

POLICE are hunting a man who calmly walked into a Hamilton bank branch yesterday and waited in line before robbing tellers of cash while telling them he had a gun.

Newcastle police have released closed-circuit television footage of the brazen robbery at Westpac's Beaumont Street branch yesterday morning in the hope the offender can be identified.

The man, wearing a distinctive "bucket" hat, entered the bank about 10.20am and waited in line for his turn.

But when he approached the teller, he told them he had a gun and ordered them to give up cash.

A spokesman said no staff or customers saw a gun during the heist.

He ran outside moments later and got on an old mountain bike and rode past startled morning shoppers.

He was last seen travelling south along Beaumont Street before turning right into James Street and towards Hamilton South.

He was described as being aged in his mid-20s to early 30s, of thin to medium build and Caucasian. He was possibly drug-affected.

He was wearing a dark-coloured bucket hat, light-coloured top and beige pants.

It is feared he could strike again.

Information can be forwarded to Newcastle detectives on 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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