North Shore robberies believed linked

Police wan to hear from anyone who can help identify the man who stole cash and petrol from Beach Road Mobil Station in Torbay.

Police are investigating two aggravated robberies in Auckland's North Shore. Both incidents involved a gun, and the same man is believed to be responsible.

The robberies took place in the Torbay area, and CCTV footage of the first incident has been released on the Waitemata police Facebook page.

Police describe the offender as being "very confident".

The first robbery took place on July 15 about 2.30pm. The man arrived on foot at the Mobil Station on Beach Rd. He filled up a red plastic petrol container and then pulled his balaclava down over his face and walked into the building.

He threatened the attendant with a gun and demanded money and cigarettes. He took money from the cash tray before fleeing. He was last seen running into a cemetery on Deep Creek Rd.

About 8.20am on Wednesday a man fitting the same description entered a dairy on Stredwick Drive.

The offender showed the shopkeepers he had a gun and demanded money and cigarettes. He then fled on foot and was chased by one of the shopkeepers.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nadene Richmond said: "We think that this is the same person and we'd like to hear from anyone who may recognise him in this video. "

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Shore CIB on 09 4775261 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. NZME