Man charged over bank robberies

A man wanted for a series of bank robberies in Hamilton and Auckland over recent weeks has been arrested, say police.

The 22-year-old appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with five offences.

They relating to the robbery of three Hamilton banks, one in Auckland and the robbery of Hamilton's inner-city amusement arcade Timezone in March.

He was arrested by detectives in the Hamilton suburb of Dinsdale yesterday morning.

They founding him hiding in the cupboard of a Poaka Ave house, said Detective Daryl Smith of the north Hamilton CIB.

The arrest came as a result of sound detective work and help from the public, something investigators encouraged, Mr Smith said.

"Prior to this arrest a pattern had begun to emerge where a different bank was struck every fortnight, which put bank staff on edge and meant they were bracing themselves for the next robbery."

Mr Smith said bank and security staff he had spoken to were relieved to hear of the arrest.

- NZPA