Police appeal for witnesses to Ballina, Lennox Head armed hold-ups

Police are appealing for witnesses following two separate armed robberies at financial institutions on the Far North Coast during the past couple of months.

The first incident occurred at 10.35am on Monday 17 November, when a man entered a credit union in River Street, Ballina, and produced a handgun.

He threatened staff and left a short time later with an amount of cash.

He was last seen near the intersection of River Street and Moon Street.

The man was described to police as being about 163-165cm tall, with a thin to medium build. At the time of the robbery he had his head covered with cloth.

The most recent incident occurred about 3.30pm yesterday, December 23, when a man with his face disguised entered the credit union on Ballina Street, Lennox Head.

He approached a number of tellers and produced a handgun where he demanded money.

An amount of cash was handed over, which he placed into a bag before leaving.

The man was last seen walking west down a nearby alley.

Witnesses have described the man as being aged between 40-50, 165cm tall with a medium to fit build and of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance.

He had short, straight dark hair and hairy arms.

He was last seen wearing white joggers with dark trim, light blue denim jeans, and a dark blue/black rugby-style jumper.

He was also wearing a denim baseball cap with a suede tan peak and carrying a blue denim shoulder bag.

At this stage investigators have not established any links between the two robberies; however, inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information relating to either incident is urged to contact Ballina Police Station on (02) 9552 8099 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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