Would-be robbers 'overly prepared'

From Stuff.co.nz -

Herman Sakaria, a Whangaparaoa-based security guard was heading home when he saw two youths covering their car plates, then put clear plastic bags over their faces, and socks over their shoes, before running into the Bay View Store in Stanmore Bay armed with steak knives.

Sakaria parked behind their vehicle and approached the dairy, where one of them remained at the entrance while the other demanded cash. But the male owner repelled the attacker and chased both youths out of his store, where Sakaria intercepted them.

The Korean couple who owns the store came out after the youths, with the woman hitting them with a flyswat. By sheer coincidence the mother of one of the youths turned up.

Rodney police are applauding Sakaria’s quick thinking and actions. The youths were to appear in the North Shore District Court charged with assault with intent to rob, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.