A shop owner was threatened by three males brandishing a metal bar in Mount Maunganui before another nearby business was targeted and items were stolen.
A police spokesman said the three males entered a business on Maunganui Rd about 7.50pm on Tuesday and threatened a shop owner with a metal bar before leaving without taking anything.
Police believe the same three people entered an Oceanbeach Rd business with a staff member inside shortly after 8pm, took items and left in a vehicle.
No injuries were reported, he said.
The spokesman said police were investigating both incidents and were making inquiries.