Waikato Police believe Te Awamutu robber may be linked to earlier robberies and car holds the key

Waikato Police investigating last week’s armed robbery of a Te Awamutu bank say they haven’t ruled out the possibility the man they arrested may have been involved in other robberies and believe a vehicle may prove pivotal to their case.

Investigations Manager for the Western Waikato, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead, said a 42-year-old man appeared in the Hamilton District Court today charged with aggravated robbery.

“That was in relation to last Wednesday’s robbery of the ASB bank on Te Awamutu’s George St about 4.14pm.

“We’re also interested in any links to the robbery of the Hardware and Lotto shop on Rotorua’s Te Ngae Rd about 3:15pm on Tuesday 19 January and the robbery of Cambridge’s Turf Bar on Commerce St about 09:30am on Wednesday the 30 December.”

Mr Whitehead said a key part of his team’s investigation is establishing the movements of a black 1997 BMW 328i coupe, registration number WH6241.

“This car has a distinctive rear spoiler and ‘Euro Plate’ surrounds on the number plates and we believe it was used during the commission of both the Te Awamutu and Rotorua robberies and possibly the one in Cambridge as well.

“We’re also not ruling out if the offender had an accomplice who acted as a getaway driver during the robberies and Police want to hear about any sightings of this vehicle, particularly sightings of it on the days of these robberies.”

Mr Whitehead said the black BMW may also have been used in the days prior to the robberies by the offenders as they ‘cased’ the targeted addresses before committing their crimes.

“It is likely the car would have been parked nearby during these robberies.

It’s also possible people’s attention may have been drawn to the manner of the offenders’ driving as they fled the scenes.

If you have seen this vehicle we ask that you contact Te Awamutu Police on 07 872 0100.”

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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