Arrested in 20 minutes: Cafe customers remotely track suspected armed robber after employee robs him at knifepoint

Police said personnel then surrounded an area near Waghorne Street, Ahuriri, where the alleged attacker was spotted with his four counterparts and attempted to flee. The group was captured at the bottom of Shakespeare Rd.

Three other people seen jumping fences near Kenny Ave were also arrested.

Police chased after the last remaining person as he fled through the rail yard, before finding him at the Ahuriri bypass. All were aged 13 to 16.

Senior Sergeant Su Robinson said although police were yet to recover the tip jar, she praised the work done by frontline staff and the public in responding so quickly to the alleged theft.

“They arrived quickly and were given a detailed account of what the offender looked like and where he and his friends ran – thanks to the witnesses.

“Police were able to return the offenders to the station for treatment, all within approximately 20 minutes.”

Robinson said it was a timely reminder for members of the public to protect themselves.

“Store staff and members of the public kept their distance and police were able to respond very quickly as customers called 111 while the offense was in progress.”

Police have advised people to always call 111 in an emergency and to call 105 after it has happened.

People can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information about a case.