Stolen Terrano a key clue in heist

The Metalman NZ premises on Rewarewa Rd was robbed of several thousand dollars at gunpoint this week.

Having large amounts of cash this festive season has prompted a warning from Northland police for businesses to be vigilant around security after an armed robbery in Whangarei.

The aggravated robbery on Tuesday morning left a recycling business in Whangarei several thousand dollars out of pocket after two men burst in and threatened a worker with a gun, before fleeing with what is believed to be several thousand dollars in cash.

No one was injured and it isn't known whether there were customers on the premises when it was robbed. A representative from the business declined to speak about the incident yesterday.

This grey Nissan Terrano is believed to have been used in the aggravated robbery of Metalman NZ in Whangarei this week.

A grey Nissan Terrano, registration BPZ926, stolen from the Forum North car park about midday on Saturday, is believed to have been used in the aggravated robbery. The vehicle was found abandoned on South End Ave shortly after the robbery. Police have appealed for information on the robbery or sightings of the stolen vehicle at the time Metalman New Zealand was targeted.

Whangarei Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said the type of firearm used or whether it was loaded could not be ascertained at this stage as the weapon was not located in the abandoned vehicle.

"For most businesses, Christmas is the busiest time of the year and it's about making sure they're conscious what steps they need to take and how to manage the transfer of cash.

Mr Begbie said in cases where people or businesses have been subjected to violence, such as an aggravated robbery, they needed to stay calm and to do what was asked. If a firearm was involved, he said people should treat the weapon as real and loaded.

"Take the descriptions of people, note the direction they head towards and, if they get into a vehicle, record the registration number and dial 111 as soon as they can."

Mr Begbie said the same advice given to businesses would apply to people carrying personal items such as purses and wallets while shopping and on their way to and from banks. Anyone with information about the robbery can call Whangarei CIB on 09 430 4500 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.