An incident unfolded on August 19 when a woman in her 60s parked her Mercedes sedan outside a bike repair shop on Swan Street in Richmond around 4:50 p.m.

According to witnesses, a man allegedly offered to help her with her bicycle, claiming it needed servicing, only to seize her keys and lock himself inside her car.

In response, a group of bystanders sprang into action, attempting to intervene by using a golf club to persuade the man to exit the vehicle.

Keir Willcox, one of the witnesses, recounted, “There was a golf club in the trunk, as the boot was still open, and they threatened to break the window to get the offender out.”

The situation escalated when a passing motorist strategically blocked the Mercedes, preventing the would-be thief from making a getaway.

Ultimately, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot to a waiting Nissan Navara, with the registration plate 1OL9CF.

Bystanders chased after him and tried to tackle him to stop his escape, but the ute took off.

It was last seen driving south down Cremorne Street.

The owner of the Mercedes wasn’t harmed in the incident, but one of the Good Samaritans sustained a facial injury after being punched in the face, police believe. 

Detectives have released CCTV and images of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries.

He is perceived to be of Pacific Islander/Māori appearance, aged in his mid to late 20s and about 183cm tall with a solid build.

He was wearing a black puffer jacket, black tracksuit pants, white runners and a beanie.