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An armed man disguised himself with a bright orange turban and a fake beard to carry out three hold-ups in Auckland yesterday.
He struck two banks and a bar in the bizarre string of robberies during which he handed over a note demanding money and threatening that he had a firearm.
But his one-man crime-wave began unsuccessfully when he botched his attempt on the ASB Bank in Manurewa by approaching the general inquiries counter instead of the bank's tellers.
Detective Sergeant Veronica McPherson said he left after being told they had no money.
Undeterred, he struck 15 minutes later at the ANZ Bank in Osterley Way, Manukau. This time he walked away with an undisclosed amount of money.
The bank teller had seen what was believed to be the handle of a hand gun inside the man's jacket, said Ms McPherson.
His next - and last - stop was shortly after midday when he hit the Heading Home Bar and Grill on Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki , where the female staff member also reported seeing the firearm.
"He's shown the handle of what she describes as a pistol," Ms McPherson said.
Manager Steve Stringer, who was not present at the time of the robbery, said the bar was also robbed about a year ago.
Ms McPherson said the robber walked quickly away from each of the three scenes, and according to witness accounts, it was possible he was travelling in a white Nissan Maxima.
Police are concerned the robber would reoffend.
Witnesses and anyone who believes they know the robber's identity are asked to contact Counties Manukau police on (09) 259 0200.
