Police hope images of robbers will aid in their identification

Wednesday, 16 April 2014 - 4:14pm

Hamilton Police investigating the weekend aggravated robbery of a TAB store say members of the public may recognise the offenders whose images were caught on CCTV footage and if they do, investigators want to hear from them.

Detective Sergeant Nick O'Brien of the Hamilton CIB said two staff were working when three men burst into the TAB, situated within the Hamilton Workingmen's Club on Frankton's King St, about 9.50pm on Saturday.

"One of the men was armed with a bolt action rifle while another carried a knife with a diamond shaped blade.

"Two of the offenders jumped the counter and threatened the TAB staff, demanding money and they took cash and personal property with them when they fled. Of particular concern for Police is the victims described the man with the rifle pointing it at them and pulling the trigger but fortunately the gun hasn't gone off."

Mr O'Brien said still images of the offenders taken from CCTV cameras arrived overnight and investigators are confident someone will recognise the offenders or their clothing.

"The offender armed with the rifle is described as a fair skinned Maori or Polynesian male aged in his early to mid twenties wearing a dark coloured zip-front hooded jacket, dark coloured long pants with a black scarf over his face.

"His rifle appeared to be .22 cal with a wooden stock, telescopic scope and a suppressor over the barrel."

The second offender armed with the knife was described as a male, of large build possibly in his thirties with a balaclava or scarf over his face and wearing a light coloured cap.

"The third offender was described as being of similar ethnicity but of smaller build and the youngest of the offenders being possibly aged in his mid to late teens
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"He was described as wearing a black hooded jacket, black pants with a thick white stripe down the leg, black sneakers and a light coloured scarf or balaclava over his face."

Mr O'Brien said anyone who recognises any of the trio in the images or who has information on their identity is asked to contact the Hamilton CIB on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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