Geelong police arrest man after alleged theft at Newcomb ATM

Police have arrested a man following a brazen alleged theft at a bank in Newcomb, with the alleged offender seen fleeing the scene in a taxi.

The alleged theft took place near the NAB Bank at the Bellarine Village Shopping Centre. Photo: David Smith.

Geelong police have arrested a man following a brazen alleged theft at a bank in Newcomb on Thursday, with the alleged offender seen fleeing the scene in a taxi.

Police will allege a 69-year-old Newcomb man was making a withdrawal from an ATM on the Bellarine Highway, about 1.55pm, when he was allegedly pushed to the ground.

“The man allegedly took the withdrawn funds before fleeing in a taxi,” a police spokeswoman told the Geelong Advertiser.

The incident happened around 1.55pm on Thursday. Photo: David Smith.

An eyewitness described seeing an altercation near the NAB at the Bellarine Village Shopping Centre with the alleged thief “getting into a fight” before jumping in the waiting cab as a passenger.

The taxi then drove off.

“I saw the guy run out, get in a taxi and get away,” he said.

“It was pretty full on.

“I’m not sure what happened but he was definitely running from the bank.”

A 35-year-old Whittington man was arrested in a nearby fast-food restaurant a short time later.

“He is currently assisting police with their enquires,” the spokeswoman said.

Originally published as Geelong police arrest man after alleged theft at Newcomb ATM