20 Jun 2011

Armed men rob elderly couple in home

6:35 pm on 20 June 2011

Upper Hutt police believe at least $50,000 was stolen from an elderly couple at gunpoint during a home invasion on Sunday night.

Three armed men burst into the couple's home in Silverstream about 6pm and threw them to the floor, demanding cash and gold.

Police say the men forced the couple to open their safe and took the money inside it.

Area commander Inspector Mike Hill says the trio knew a lot about the victims and it was probably a targeted attack.

He says after about 20 minutes of searching the house the men left the couple bound lying on the floor, and with their heads covered. The money they took was in $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes.

A neighbour says he is disturbed by the incident and says the couple is now staying with their family.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between 6pm and 6.30pm.