A man and woman have been arrested following an aggravated robbery in Paihia in which they allegedly made off with a couple's bags.
Kerikeri police said the robbery occurred about 10.15pm last Wednesday as a 23-year-old German man working in the Bay of Islands and a 27-year-old Paihia woman were walking up Seaview Rd.
A van pulled up beside them and a man got out who was clearly after their bags. A scuffle ensued between the man and the German national.
The van's female driver then got out and joined the fracas, before the offenders left with the victims' bags.
Sergeant Phil Le Comte said police were grateful to Tiny Dawson of Northland Security who helped immediately with a search of the area.
The van involved in the robbery was found outside a Paihia house a short time later, where the female offender, aged 22, was also located. The male, 23, was found at another address. All stolen property was recovered.
Each was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery in the Kaikohe District Court last week. The male offender was held in custody while the woman was released on bail.