Aggravated robbery of cash van at Milford shops in Auckland

A image of the stolen Subaru wagon.

Police are appealing to the public for information following the aggravated robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Milford.

North Shore Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Marcia Murray said the incident took place around 1.05pm yesterday behind the Milford Shops on Kitchener Rd on the North Shore.

A passenger who was sitting in the back seat of a vehicle approached the victims and presented a weapon before taking off with a sum of cash, said Murray, saying no one was injured in the incident

The offenders fled from the scene in a stolen 2006 black Subaru wagon, which has been linked to another incident earlier this week where a female had her bag snatched.

The earlier incident took place on Tuesday, also around 1pm, where a male came up from behind a victim who was sitting on a public bench on Birkenhead Ave and stole her bag, before fleeing the scene in the same Subaru wagon.

Murray says police have spoken to the victim, who described the offender as a male in his early 20s, of Maori or Polynesian appearance, large build and wearing a dark hoodie.

Police have also conducted a number of enquiries in relation to these incidents including a scene examination yesterday in Milford, as well as reviewing CCTV footage in the area.

"The vehicle, which was stolen from Glenfield last weekend, was seen in the Sunnynook area yesterday afternoon shortly after the aggravated robbery. It was located late this morning in a car park on Raines Avenue in Forrest Hill.

"The vehicle also has noticeable damage to the passenger's side of the vehicle, which we hope may help members of the public to identify the vehicle," said Murray.

"As it has been linked to two incidents on the North Shore in the past few days we are hopeful that members of the public have seen this vehicle around the North Shore area this week and can assist our enquiries.

"If you witnessed either of these incidents or have seen the vehicle involved, we want to hear from you. Anyone with information is urged to contact the North Shore Crime Car on 09 477 5261 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."