KEY POINTS:
Dunedin police are hunting a man suspected of carrying out robberies or attempted robberies on four banks in 40 minutes yesterday.
All banks were within walking distance of downtown Dunedin.
Police said it appeared that no weapons or violence were used.
The first robbery attempt was made at 3.45pm at the National Bank branch on Albany Street.
It was thwarted when staff confronted a man about his suspicious appearance, prompting him to flee.
Ten minutes later a man matching his description appeared at a the Bank of New Zealand in King Edward Street where he asked staff to fill a plastic bag with money.
Sources told the Otago Daily Times the man was given a "modest sum" before making his getaway.
Shortly after, he made another appearance at the Bank of New Zealand in George Street.
This time it was a customer who approached the man, scaring him away before any money orders were made.
Finally, a thief appeared at the ANZ Bank on the corner of George and Hanover Streets, making off with another "modest sum".
Security cameras from one bank captured a clear image of the man who was described as Maori, 165-175cm tall, of slim to medium build. He was wearing a dark beanie, sunglasses and a silky shirt with the number 23 in red on the back.
- NZPA
