Police recover bags used in armed security van robbery

File photo / NZ Herald

Police investigating the aggravated robbery of a security van in north Hamilton last week have found the bags used to transport stolen cash and have renewed their appeal for information.

The crew of the van were confronted by two balaclava-clad men, one carrying a firearm the other an iron bar, outside the Westfield Shopping Centre in Chartwell at 11.50am on Thursday, Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton of Hamilton CIB said.

They stole a large sum of cash and drove off in a stolen car, driven by another man. It was found in nearby De Vere Crescent in Chartwell.

CCTV footage also showed their car overtaking two vehicles dangerously as they fled the scene.

Mr Thornton said two bags used to carry money containers for ATM machines had been found near a river bank in Hammond Park, off Hudson St, in the suburb of Riverlea yesterday.

"We're appealing for any information in relation to these bags and how they came to be where they were found and we're also seeking information or sittings of a stolen green over silver Subaru Forrester that was found abandoned near the scene shortly after the robbery."

The offender with the firearm was light-skinned Maori or Polynesian, 1.83m to 1.89m tall, of muscular build.

The second man was also light-skinned Maori or Polynesian, about 1.78m tall and clean shaven.

- NZPA