Police praise customer who chased bank robber
.
A bank customer is being praised by Hamilton police after he responded to a call for help and chased a robber today.
Police said the robber, believed to be unarmed, demanded money from a teller in the Hamilton East branch of the BNZ about 10.
As the robber fled with his money, the teller called for help and a man in a queue behind the robber chased him. .
Detective Dion Bennett said it was a gutsy call by the customer.
He pursued the robber down Grey St but lost him when he turned down an alleyway to the rear of Sacred Heart school, said police.”
Mr Bennett said the customer’s first reaction was impressive.
“He realised something was wrong and turns and gives chase, it was really pleasing.”
However, he said police were also wary about urging people to chase offenders because someone could get hurt.
“We take our hat off to him.
The robber was a medium built Maori or Polynesian, between 180-185cm tall.
Details of how much money the man got were not available.
Mr Bennett said anyone with information on the robber could call him direct on (07) 834 9476. He wore a dark top and dark track pants.