Auckland (The NZ Today)
A Rotorua truck driver was allegedly followed into his workplace yard, confronted by a group of men and forced to drive to an ATM before money was withdrawn from his bank account.
The incident happened shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday at Booth’s Logistics in Rotorua.
The company’s North Island regional manager, Maree Smith, said the driver reported that a group of men followed him into the yard and threatened him before one of them got into his vehicle.
She said CCTV showed at least three men confronting the driver, although no firearm could be seen in the footage.
According to Smith, the driver was then made to travel to an ATM at Te Ngae Shopping Centre, while others followed in a separate vehicle.
About $400 was taken from his account before the group left the area, she said.
The driver later contacted Police and the company and is understood to be badly shaken by what happened.
Smith said the incident had left him fearful about returning to work alone, while the company was reviewing security around the site.
Police have confirmed they are investigating, but have disputed part of the account provided by the company.
Acting Area Commander Senior Sergeant Sam Parata said no firearm was involved and there was no ongoing risk to the public.
Police have not announced any arrests.
The investigation into what happened remains underway.
Source: New Zealand Police and RNZ reporting.
