At about 12.30pm today a male walked into a dairy on Wainoni Road, Avondale and threatened the attendant with a knife.
The shop attendant was startled but not injured, and the offender took off out of the shop with the cash box.
At the same time, working near the dairy was Phillipstown Neighbourhood Patrol Constable, Soames Crowther.
Constable Crowther drove past at the same time and saw members of the public watching the man running away with the cash box and knife and after a short foot chase arrested him without any drama.
Constable Crowther is a 16-year veteran of the job and hasn’t had a catch like this.
“It’s the first time I have caught someone so quickly, but two passing members of the public were instrumental in assisting me in the arrest and I am very grateful for their help
he says”
“Police will not tolerate any threats of this nature towards members of our community," says Area Prevention Inspector Manager Richard Bruce.
“Based on the good information provided to us by the public and a quick police and public response, this job got solved instantly and no one got hurt, which is very lucky. We are grateful to those members of the public who helped our constable.
"This is another arrest which is significant for providing reassurance to the victims and preventing further serious incidents of this nature,” he says.
A 15 year-old male was arrested and will appear in the Youth District Court this week facing charges of aggravated robbery
ENDS