Barefaced robber a worry, say police

Police say the clear CCTV image of a robber who didn't try to conceal his identity should get quick results.

Police are concerned about the calm demeanour of a man who robbed a North Shore bank at gunpoint yesterday but made no attempt to disguise his identity.

They released a CCTV image of the man showing little emotion as he threatened staff at Mairangi Bay ASB.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stan Brown said the man walked into the bank about 11am and waited patiently in line until it was his turn.

"It turned a bit nasty when he got to the counter and pulled a gun, which looked similar to a Glock pistol, and demanded money," he said.

"Very calculated would be one way to describe it."

The teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and the man walked out. He remained at large last night. Mr Brown said it was unusual for a robber to make no attempt to cover his face.

"It does happen from time to time but certainly there's a few aspects that we're a bit concerned about - he was very calm but without making any attempt to disguise his face knowing that every bank has CCTV."

Mr Brown didn't wish to speculate on what this said about the man's state of mind or intent. "We have our guesses but until we talk to the person involved we can't really say."

Anyone who recognises the man should contact police immediately. "It's a pretty good picture so I hope we get the phone call in the next few hours." Can you help: phone North Shore police (09)477 5000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111