Hamilton Police want the public's assistance in finding a group of men responsible for the callous gunpoint robbery of a Chartwell bank on Saturday morning.
Detective Chris McRae of the Hamilton CIB said two men wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and bandanas around their faces entered the Kiwi Bank in the Chartwell Post Shop about 10.15am.
"One of the pair had a long firearm and held it in people's faces ordering the 12 or so customers in the store to lie down on the floor.
"While he was doing this his accomplice approached teller staff making them hand over money from their tills before the pair left, running to a waiting car where a third man was waiting for them as a getaway driver."
This car, a grey 1997 Grey Nissan SRV hatchback, registration BTK243, was stolen from the Hillcrest Warehouse car park on Friday and Police hope this car may hold the key in establishing the identities of the offenders.
"We're hoping someone recalls seeing it being stolen from the Warehouse or may have seen it driving around or parked up at an address somewhere in the City before the robbery," said Mr McRae.
The car was recovered a short time after the robbery in nearby Donny Park. Police believe there were four people in the vehicle at the time it was abandoned.
Because the car was stolen locally Police believe it likely the offenders are from the Hamilton area and are concerned about the degree of organisation and violence used.
"Given the offenders appear to think little of threatening people with firearms it's vital we locate them as soon as possible before they re-offend, to do that we need the public's help.
"We want to speak to anyone who may have information on the offenders' identities or who witnessed the robbery and haven't already spoken to Police said Mr McRae."
Anyone with information on yesterday's robbery is asked to contact the Hamilton CIB on 07 8586200. Alternatively information can be left anonymously via 0800 CrimeStoppers (0800 555 111).
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