Pair face burglary charges after raid

Two men have been arrested following an attempted armed robbery in Mangonui

Two men have been arrested following a brazen daylight theft in which the suspect's escape was foiled by a woman who pushed a shopping trolley into his path.

According to police, a man entered Mangonui Four Square about 2.45pm last Wednesday and reached over the counter to grab money from the till.

The shopkeeper slammed the drawer shut and in the ensuing struggle the till fell to the floor. The man snatched a few banknotes and ran out the door with the shopkeeper and members of the public in hot pursuit.

A woman who was unloading her shopping by the front door pushed a trolley in front of the suspect, causing him to panic and apparently forget about the getaway car waiting in the loading zone just outside.

He fled on foot down Waterfront Rd and escaped when he was picked up by his getaway driver.

The pair's freedom was short-lived, however. Mangonui police arrested two men over the weekend they say were behind the crime.

Jade Te Paa, 35, of Kaitaia, and Mangonui farmer Neville Joseph Dangen, 27, were both charged with burglary when they appeared in the Kaitaia District Court on Saturday. They were remanded in custody and were due back in court on Tuesday.

A police spokesman said no one else was sought and the man who entered the shop had made a full admission. No threats or weapons were involved.

Four Square owner Harpreet Singh said he was grateful to members of the public who intervened in a bid to stop the thief.