Two in court over Auckland bank robberies

Two men allegedly responsible for a spree of Auckland bank robberies have appeared in Manukau District Court. Photo / File

Two men allegedly responsible for a spree of Auckland bank robberies have appeared in court.

Clifford Harry Mathews, 35, appeared in Manukau District Court today facing six charges of robbery and one of aggravated robbery.

The alleged offending took place between August 31 and September 25 and according to court documents the Otara resident made off with more than $10,000 before his arrest today.

Police said Mathews targeted banks and post shops in the south and east Auckland areas and early on in the alleged spree he was joined by 21-year-old Terangatahi Rex King.

The Flat Bush man initially appeared in Manukau District Court a couple of weeks ago accused of joining his co-defendant in the robberies of ASB Botany and BNZ Manukau.
Charge sheets say the heists netted them $3342.

In total, King faces two counts of robbery, one of aggravated robbery, one of aggravated burglary and one of assault with intent to rob.

It is alleged he used a baseball bat during the September 14 aggravated burglary of the Otara Mobil station and got away with more than $7000 before he was collared.

Police said they had been on "high alert" because of the offending and they hoped the arrests would reassure banking staff.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said police had very high detection rates for such offending.

"History will show that generally crimes of this type gain very little by way of rewards for offenders who are likely to receive substantial periods of imprisonment if convicted."

The two men will appear in court again next month.