KEY POINTS:
A bank teller foiled a would-be bank robber when she refused to hand over any cash.
The offender walked into the Milford branch of the Bank of New Zealand on Kitchener Road at 3pm and passed a teller a plastic bag as well as a typed note that instructed her to put money into the bag, Inspector William Taylor of northern police communications said.
The teller refused to follow the note's directions.
Mr Taylor said the man stood and waited for a few seconds before he realised he was not going to receive any cash.
He then picked up his note and bag back from the teller before walking out and heading down an alley next to the bank.
The man was seen by a witness getting on a motor bike and riding away.
He was wearing a green anorak jacket and black jeans, white sports shoes, black gloves and a light purple motorcycle helmet.
He was also wearing sunglasses under his helmet.
Mr Taylor said police wanted to speak with anyone who was near the bank in Milford at 3pm who may have seen the man.
- NZPA