Manager accused of robbing own bank

A bank manager is in custody facing aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges after what police say was a failed attempt to rob his own bank.

Police claim Bank of New Zealand manager Mark Andrew Scott, 39, had inside knowledge of Tuesday's botched robbery at the Wellsford BNZ, and have also arrested his partner, Vanessa Ada Scott, for participating in the robbery.

Mark Scott faces a charge of aggravated robbery and two charges of being a party to kidnap. Vanessa Scott, 27, is accused with co-defendants Richard Murray Cowell, 26, and Lewis Blackwood-Manukau, 19, of kidnapping and aggravated robbery.

Vanessa Scott, Cowell and Blackwood-Manukau are alleged to have entered the bank wearing overalls and balaclavas and brandishing knives while Mark Scott and two other staff members were in a meeting, shortly before opening.

The intruders then ordered the employees to the ground, said Sergeant Paul Carstensen of Wellsford police.

A female teller tried to make a run for it but was stopped, punched and dragged back to the rest of the group.

However, her escape bid was seen by a customer using an ATM outside and police were notified.

Officers arrested at gunpoint one of the men, whom they caught fleeing out the back door of the bank, his pockets "stuffed full of cash", Mr Carstensen said.

The second man was caught trying to escape with bundles of cash hidden in a jersey.

Two knives and a bag of cash were found near the back door of the bank.

Police would not say how much money was grabbed by the robbers but the Herald understands it was around $80,000.

Vanessa Scott is alleged to have escaped the scene.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Burke of Orewa police said that statements later taken from Cowell and Blackwood-Manukau did not add up, and it soon became apparent "there was obviously some assistance, or additional party, involved".

Mark and Vanessa Scott were arrested at their Wellsford home, where more cash is also alleged to have been found.

None of the four entered a plea when they appeared in the North Shore District Court on Wednesday. They were remanded in custody.

BNZ spokeswoman Brenda Newth last night confirmed Scott had been employed as Wellsford branch manager for about a year, but was now the subject of an "employment inquiry".

The bank had offered counselling to staff after the robbery, and would provide continued support "in whatever way we can".