KEY POINTS:
A man wanted for allegedly robbing a Westpac bank in Petone, north of Wellington, was quickly captured thanks to the quick reactions of bank staff, police said today.
Detective Sergeant Brent Murray, Lower Hutt CIB, said a police patrol stopped the man driving a 4WD on State Highway 2 near Belmont, 15 to 20 minutes after the 11am robbery.
"Quick actions from the bank staff by providing details of the vehicle, and the immediate response from Lower Hutt police staff with patrols flooding the area led to the man being captured."
The man will appear in Lower Hutt District Court tomorrow charged with the robbery .
Mr Murray said the alleged robber walked into the bank and approached a young teller and supervisor demanding cash.
"There was an indication he may have been armed although no weapon was seen.
"The staff complied with the demands and the man fled with a sum of cash. He was followed out of the bank and people saw him get into the vehicle parked in Queen St and leave the area."
Mr Murray said the observations made by the bank staff and quick work by police led to the man being found.
- NZPA
