PIZZA store staff who overpowered an armed robber and held him until police arrived are having their actions investigated by the West Australian work safety watchdog.
Police allege two armed bandits tried to hold up a pizza store in southeastern Kenwick last night, but staff tackled one of the would-be robbers causing him to drop his pistol.
The man’s accomplice bolted after unsuccessfully trying to get the gun back while staff held the first man until police arrived.
Officers investigating the attempted robbery say they arrested the accomplice today.
They have charged a 27-year-old from Halls Head with attempted armed robbery.
A 27-year-old man from Gosnells was charged with four counts of armed robbery of retail premises in the southeastern suburbs of Maddington, Kelmscott, Gosnells and Belmont between May 4 and 7 this year.
Police are considering further charges over the attempted robbery in Kenwick.
Meanwhile, WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today she was investigating the actions of the pizza store staff who overpowered the armed robber.
“We’re very concerned that people may get the impression that attempting to overpower an armed robber is a good idea,” she said.
“If a person is desperate enough to commit an armed robbery, you can never be sure how violent that person may become.”
Workplaces such as late-night food outlets, chemists and service stations needed to have an established armed hold-up procedure, with all staff trained in its use, Ms Lyhne said.
“The best course of action is to co-operate with the robber – it is never worth putting yourself and others at risk in these situations by trying to be a hero,” she said.
