Woman attacked in $650 robbery

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32524, 6 February 1971, Page 1

Woman attacked in $650 robbery

(New Zealand Press Association) WANGANUI, February 5. More than $650 in notes was taken from a Wanganui television-hire firm in a robbery this afternoon. A woman was hit on the forehead and knocked unconscious.

Police began a wide search, including road blocks at all outskirts of Wanganui, but there was no- sign of the offender late tonight. The woman, whose name was not released by the police, was examined by a doctor and taken to her home. Detective-Sergeant P. W. Harkess, who is leading the investigation, said the police were anxious to locate a man aged about 25, sft lOin in height, of medium build, who was wearing a white shirt with sleeves rolled up. The audacious robbery occurred at the premises of Group Rentals (N.Z.), Ltd, in the main street; Victoria Avenue, about 4 p.m. The woman attendant, aged about 28, was making up the banking on a counter when she was attacked and struck on the forehead apparently with a metal object. She was found by a lad

who raised the alarm, and a woman.passer-by telephoned the police. A police spokesman said it was believed they had found the metal object which was used in the attack. A shopkeeper in Victoria Avenue said he had seen a man frequenting the firm’s premises during the day. It is understood that the offender asked the woman attendant for a battery for a portable television set.