Bank robber pictures bring few clues

Police are still waiting for vital information that will help them to identify a serial bank robber.

On Saturday, the Weekend Herald ran several pictures and a front-page story about the man police are seeking in relation to at least 13 robberies in Auckland.

But despite clear pictures of the man's face, police have received little information as to his identity or whereabouts.

Officers are concerned that the man is becoming increasingly agitated and potentially violent in his attempts to gain money.

"Somebody out there must know who he is," said Constable Neil Hilton. "We just need to catch this guy before he hurts somebody."

The robber, who frequently wears a white, blue or orange floppy hat and checked shirt, makes no attempt to disguise himself.

He often strikes on a Friday afternoon and follows the same process of waiting quietly in the queue before presenting the teller with a note saying he has a gun. More recently, he has been showing tellers the gun in his blue bag, increasing the police's fear that he will eventually use it.

The man struck three times on Friday, only stopping when he got what he finally wanted.

ASB spokeswoman Linley Wood said the bank was reviewing security measures.

"Our first priority is the safety of our staff and customers. After that, it is looking at our security and that's what we are doing now."

Andrew Casidy, general secretary of bank workers' union Finsec, said staff were generally comfortable with the safety measures and support for victims that was in place.

"However, in the light of this specific threat, we will be approaching the banks on Monday to ask whether more needs to be done."

That could include security guards and making sure deterrents such as video cameras were well-publicised.