Armed robbery barmaid thought she would die

Ramona Loto recalls how she was forced to unlock the safe while one of the robbers held a rifle to her head. Photo / Steven McNicholl

As the cold barrel of a rifle pressed against her head, Ramona Loto could only think she might never see her children again.

Ms Loto was at work at Gracie's Place in Otahuhu on June 27 when an armed gang burst in and demanded money.

"Mother's Day this year was six years since [my mother] passed and it's been eating at me that I never got to say goodbye. And what was going through my head was that my kids were going to have the same thing," she told the Herald last night.

Police believe the men are behind at least seven robberies in South Auckland and fear someone could get hurt or killed if they are not stopped.

The 46-year-old has five children and one grandchild, and she pleaded with the gunman not to hurt her.

"I did say to him - 'Don't hurt anyone. I've got kids and I want to see my babies.' He just picked me up [by] my jumper and said: 'Open everything and give us the money."'

She was shaking.

"He just kept poking the rifle at me [even] when I got up from the safe and he just kept it aimed at my head. I thought, 'Oh God, is this it?"'

She did not see the gunman at first because her attention was on another man who ducked down behind the bar.

"I gave people at the gaming machines five minutes until we closed and I said to the little Chinese guy who stays with me, 'Go close the roller door."'

By the time he returned she planned to have everyone out of the bar and the doors locked. Her former partner had also just left. She suspects the robbers were outside and saw him leave - and then took their chance.

"I saw one guy go around the bar, bob down, and I knew that was where the safe was. I had locked the door and had the keys in my pocket so I yelled out, 'What the hell are you doing behind that effing bar.' I yelled it twice but he never stood up or nothing."

She walked towards the bar and then saw a second man.

"He had a brown hoodie and just swung a rifle, a long rifle, and come straight for me."

Normally a brave person, Ms Loto froze when she saw what was happening.

"I froze and then I freaked ... I just thought 'no way'. I had a stool in my hand and just dropped it. I put my hands up and said, 'Look ,don't hurt anyone. I'll give you whatever you want,' but he got me on the ground and kept poking the rifle at me."

She has gone back to work and refuses to let the incident get the better of her.

Victim Support has asked her to attend counselling sessions but she has told them she is not ready yet.

Ms Loto hopes the robbers are caught before someone gets hurt.

"They might use the rifle that's what I'm afraid of."

Counties Manukau police say the robbers got away with a significant amount of money but believe it will not be the last time they strike.

In each case they have been disguised - in one case with St John Ambulance flouro-vests - and have used a variety of weapons including a World War II-era Lee Enfield rifle, a black pistol, a knife and a small axe.

Police said yesterday they had received several calls from the public after the robberies featured in the Herald , and were following leads.

If you have any information contact Detective John Love on 09 262 9173, Detective Michael Bushell 09 262 9112, or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

THE ROBBERIES

* June 14 at 7:50pm at the TAB in Otahuhu.

* June 22 at 5:30pm at Kiwibank, Dawson Rd, Otara.

* June 23 at 4:30pm at Kiwibank, Great South Rd, Otahuhu.

* June 27 at 7:12pm at Gracie's Place in Queen St, Otahuhu.

* July 2 at 10:18am at the TAB in Ormiston Rd, East Tamaki.

* July 7 at 10:10am at the Wanderers Bar in East Tamaki.

* July 14 at 11:25am at the Junction Bar, Springs Rd, East Tamaki.