Police seek fake pilot at Auckland Airport

The man went to great lengths to access the restricted area. Photo / NZ Police

Police are searching for a man who tried to get into the Auckland Airport pilot's area in a fake uniform.

A man dressed as a pilot approached staff at the Auckland domestic air terminal yesterday afternoon to try to get into a restricted airside area.

He was dressed in a white shirt, blue trousers, his shoulders had epaulets with gold bands and his dark cap was complete with a silver winged badge.

The man was challenged by staff and left the terminal building in his thin guise shortly after 2.30pm, police said.

Superintendent Andy Lovelock is leading the search for the conman.

"Attempted breaches of airport security are taken very seriously, and we are eager to identify this person. The effort to which this individual has gone to access the restricted airside area of the Auckland airport is of a significant concern."

He said the man, in his late 20s to 30s, was seen driving away from the terminal in a black Hi-Ace with tinted windows.

The man posing as an airline pilot is described as being:

* Male
* Caucasian
* Height: over 180 cm - approximately 6 foot
* Age: late 20's - 30's
* Build: Medium build
* Hair: described as brown colour
* Body markings: distinctive tattoos on his forearms
* Wearing: the man was wearing white shirt, with a dark coloured tie, blue trousers, dark shoes, dark cap with silver winged badge, epaulets on his shoulders with gold bands - carrying a large black brief case.

Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock appeals "to anyone who can identify this man or the vehicle in which he left the terminal to please contact Counties Manukau Police immediately (09) 259 0600 or alternatively call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111"