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.

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$50,000 bribe offered over $3.80 ticket

From News.com.au -

Jehoiachin Onyins Ogbe, 25, an international student, offered police $50,000 to "forget what happened" when he was caught on a Brisbane train without a ticket, which would have cost just $3.80. He ended up on bribery charges. In addition, he was also found to have overstayed a student visa and will also be deported from the country after a six-month jail sentence.

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'Robber' reports bank heist

From The Herald News -

Police say John A. Pighee Jr., 58, was unhappy with the service he received at a Bank of America branch. So he picked up his cell phone, called police and reported a robbery at the bank while he was there.

"As odd as it sounds, we took a bank robbery (call) from the bank robber," Lt. Ken Teppel said. Teppel said the man had attempted withdrawing some money that the bank had a hold on. When the bank wouldn't release the funds, "he stated he was going to shut the bank down."

After talking by phone with the branch's employees from the parking lot, police determined the bank was not, in fact, being robbed. They promptly entered the building and arrested Pighee.

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