Taxi driver held up at knifepoint

A 32-year-old woman will appear in court today charged in connection the knifepoint hold up of a Palmerston North taxi driver and the theft of his wallet.

It is the latest in a string of recent robberies and attacks on taxi drivers, including the murder of Auckland driver Hiren Mohini.

Police said a man and woman got into the taxi on Ihle St, in the Parkland area of Palmerston North, and asked to be taken to Cascade Crescent, in the Westbrook area on the far side of town, at about 10.30pm.

As the taxi neared its destination the woman pulled a knife and threatened the driver before stealing his wallet and running off.

A passerby tried to intervene, but the woman got away from her.

The driver was shaken but unhurt.

Police arrested the woman and recovered the wallet and its contents after they received a call from the taxi company.

The woman will appear in Palmerston North District today charged with aggravated robbery.

Police had spoken to her companion in the taxi and found no evidence to press charges against him.

They will interview the victim and potential witnesses in the Westbrook area today, and will try to locate the knife.

- NZPA