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A Coromandel man today admitted robbing a post shop and a Kiwibank in Christchurch and was remanded in custody awaiting sentence.
Twenty-four-year-old Michael James Cassidy was caught through the determination of a staffer at the Victoria Street Post Shop and two members of the public, Christchurch District Court was told.
They followed at a distance when he left the shop with $750 cash on September 3, and then a passing off-duty police officer saw the chase and made the arrest.
Detective Rachel Jefferies said that each situation had to be taken individually but the public and the staff had done the right things.
"The staff member did not aggravate the male and passed the money over. Police were called immediately and kept informed of the progress. The public followed at a safe distance which is very important," she said.
"We don't want anyone to be injured. Be observant and keep your distance - don't take any risks and co-operate."
Cassidy today pleaded guilty to robbing the Sydenham Kiwibank in late August and robbing the post shop about a week later.
At both robberies he presented a note stating that he had a weapon, and demanding money. When he was caught a few blocks from the post shop, police found the note, and a knife, and recovered the money.
He also admitted stealing $4673 in cash from a Coromandel Cafe on August 19.
Judge Gary MacAskill remanded Cassidy in custody for a crown sentencing session on December 14.
- NZPA
