Callers thought they knew robber's identity

Police have several leads to follow up after the public responded positively to a police plea for information on a man believed responsible for up to eight bank robberies or attempted robberies in Dunedin and Mosgiel since November. Detective Sergeant Chris Henderson, of Dunedin, said there had been a ''large response'', with police receiving about 20 calls from the public during the weekend. Many said they thought they knew who the offender was, he said.

''As a result, there are a lot of inquiries still to be carried out, but we are asking the public to keep nominating anyone they recognise as the possible offender.''

Some information was responded to immediately, with 12 detectives working on the case, named Operation Hoiho.

The same man is believed to be responsible for eight robberies in the past five months and police believe it is likely he will strike again. Police were asking people to be especially vigilant around banks and to report any suspicious activity.

In the latest incident last Friday, the man made off with several hundred dollars from the ANZ Mosgiel bank.

Detective Sergeant Brett Roberts, of Dunedin, said possible sightings of the robber and a vehicle suspected to have been used as a getaway car, as well as other suspicious activity, had been reported.

Police had been alerted to a man fitting the general description of the robber acting suspiciously on George St at the weekend. While he was not the wanted man, he was taken into custody as an arrest warrant had been issued on other matters.

The bank robber has been described as Caucasian, aged 20-30, about 170cm tall and of thin to medium build.

Information about a white 1984 Toyota Corolla DX, is also sought.