Man hands himself in 10 minutes after robbing bank

Police investigate a robbery at a Westpac bank in Rotorua, where the robber turned himself in ten minutes later. Photo / NZPA/Peter Graney.

A Rotorua man's stint as a criminal at large ended 10 minutes after he robbed a bank.

The man waited in line at the Westpac Bank in Haupapa Street in Rotorua this morning before he approached the teller and said he had a gun in his bag and demanded money, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper said.

The teller handed him a small amount of cash before he left the bank.

About 10 minutes later he walked into the Rotorua Police Station to hand himself in. The cash was recovered.

No gun was found, Mr Loper said.

The man was charged with aggravated robbery and would appear on the Rotorua District Court tomorrow.

- NZPA