Street after a man armed with a sharp object grabbed one of his workers.
Photo supplied
A local business owner is calling for more security cameras to be installed on Picton Street after one of his employees was grabbed by an armed man.
The incident took place on Saturday, December 30 at one of Howick’s beloved cafes The Apothecary Licensed Eatery shortly before 9.30pm.
A male armed with a sharp instrument entered the store and grabbed a worker before demanding that they open the till.
Owner of The Apothecary Ted Waters says his employee refused the armed man’s request by saying, “not cool bro, no”.
“We obviously don’t teach our workers to refuse in a situation like that, but she just wanted to protect the shop and stand up for herself.”
Several workers were in the premises at the time and the male left a short time later empty-handed.
“I think he got frightened off after realising there were three workers in the shop at the time.
“We were very lucky, but I think this incident raises the need for more cameras on Picton Street for added protection and to make it easy to catch the perpetrators.”
Waters recalls a request for street cameras a few years ago, which was turned down by the Howick Local Board.
“I think at the time, there was not enough justification to spend the money on it which I understand, but this incident should encourage us all to reconsider.”
Police are following up strong lines of enquiry including CCTV vision from the immediate area in an effort to identify the offender.
We are interested in hearing from anyone who saw a dark coloured late-model utility that was seen driving at speed heading south on Wellington St around 9.30pm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Rob Hunkin on 213 7501.
