Man ambushes security guards, steals ATM cash

Photo / File

A man ambushed two security guards and stole cash being taken to an ATM at the Levin Mall yesterday.

Police said two Armourguard staff were carrying canisters of cash to the mall's Salisbury St entrance when they were robbed about 1.30pm.

They said a black hatchback car pulled up and one of its three occupants got out and approached the guards.

The man grabbed two canisters from the guards and started to run back to the vehicle.

As the guards gave chase, the man dropped one of the canisters but was able to make it back to the car with the other one. The driver then made a quick getaway.

Police said the black two-door Toyota Starlet hatchback, registration FZZ986, was found on Tawa St in Levin about 5pm.

Investigators were examining the car and reviewing CCTV footage from the mall.

Detective Sergeant Peter Vine said officers were keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the robbery.

"The mall was quite busy at this time and many people would have witnessed the robbery and seen the vehicle and its occupants.

"We are very keen to speak to these people, as well as anyone that saw the Toyota vehicle between 1pm and 5pm yesterday afternoon.

"The public play a vital part in helping us resolve crimes and we encourage anyone with information to contact police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Vine on (06) 366 0509 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.