The scene at ANZ Greerton this afternoon after a robbery.
The scene at ANZ Greerton this afternoon after a robbery.
4.12pm: The man who robbed a Tauranga ANZ Bank this afternoon demanded money from a teller before leaving with a quantity of money.
Police are looking for a male who entered the Greerton Branch of the ANZ Bank today at about 2.30pm.
The offender is described as a Causasian, or light skinned Maori or Polynesian in his 20's, wearing a blue beanie, oversized sunglasses, a light colloured t-shirt, dark coloured shorts and fingerless gloves.
Police would also like to locate the driver of a silver/grey mid size japanese 4 door saloon that may have left the area with the offender.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tauranga Police on (07) 577 4300 Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
3.35pm: Greerton Village Mainstreet manager Victoria Thomas was shocked by the robbery, saying it was the first to happen in the shopping centre in her three and a-half years in the job.
"I feel so sorry for the bank staff caught up in this - I hope they catch the buggers, it's not on."
Ms Thomas recalled an attempted break-in but nothing like this. "It sucks. This does not happen in Greerton, we are way better than that. We are pretty good out here."
3.08pm: Police have released a description of the man they believe to be behind a robbery attempt at ANZ bank Greerton.
Senior Sergeant Carl Purcell said the man appeared to be European, in his mid to late 20s, wearing shorts, blue beanie, dark sunglasses and fingerless gloves.
The offender entered the bank this afternoon and handed a teller a note before snatching the note back and taking off, leaving in a getaway car.
Mr Purcell said the car appeared to be a grey four-door sedan.
Witnesses told the Bay of Plenty Times they saw two men jump into a car and ''taking off''.
''They just floored it all the way and we couldn't catch them.''
Mr Purcell was unable to say at this stage if anyone was hurt or what, if anything, was taken.
Police are yet to track the offender.
If you recognise the man, car or think you might be able to help you can contact Tauranga police on 07 577 4300 or provide anonymous information via 0800 CRIME STOPPERS.
2.56pm: Police have swooped on the ANZ Bank at Greerton Shopping Centre after a robbery there this afternoon.
Signs have been placed on the doors of the bank stating 'Closed due to robbery' as police investigate inside and stand guard with security outside.
The scene at ANZ Greerton this afternoon after a robbery.
A reporter at the scene said a crowd of people had gathered outside the bank to see what had happened and there was a heavy police presence including dog units.
''Everybody wants to know what's going on,'' she said.
''It's all locked down.''
BREAKING: Multiple police units have rushed to Greerton Shopping Centre after a report of a robbery, believed to have involved a local bank.
Police are scouring the area in and around the village for the offender, who is believed to have fled the scene at Greerton Shopping Centre in a getaway car.
