Robber tries again - by phone

A man who robbed a South Auckland bank on Wednesday used a more novel approach when he tried a second time - he rang the manager.

The man, captured on security camera footage, entered the Kiwibank branch in Dawson Rd, Flat Bush, about 2pm.

Wearing a bright orange beanie he went to a writing desk, scribbled notes on two pieces of paper and then gave them to a teller. With an object concealed under his jacket, the man, who did not disguise himself, demanded a large amount of money.

He left with a small amount. Yesterday, obviously not satisfied with his first haul, the man tried again.

Detective Sergeant Chris Winder said: "He's rung them and said 'I'm the guy who robbed you the other day and I want the manager to put some money in a bag and go and stand in the street.

"I'll drive by slowly and take the bag from you and drive off'."

While there was no direct threat or warning the bank took the phone call very seriously.

Police set up an operation, with a plain clothes officer as the bank manager.

He went outside to the designated area, carrying a bag which looked like it had money inside.

But the robber failed to show up.

"A phone call was made by the offender saying: 'I've been watching and I don't like what I see."'

Police aren't sure if the robber knew it was a plain clothes officer or if he was just spooked by what he was attempting.

"He said: 'Can you meet me down [at these other group of shops] instead.'

"He kept wanting the manager but we didn't want to send him out so we said we would send out another employee instead."

On the second attempt a different plain clothes officer, acting as an employee, waited at the designated shops. For the second time the robber failed to show.

Mr Winder urged anyone who recognised the robber to contact police immediately.