Youths arrested after liquor store robbery

Liquor King on Otumoetai Rd.

Tauranga police last night arrested two youths following the armed robbery of a liquor store in Brookfield.

Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury said the incident happened about 9pm last night.
He said two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, would appear in the Tauranga Youth Court this morning, both charged with Aggravated Robbery.

They were found by police at a nearby address a short time after the incident.

Mr Kingsbury said a knife was allegedly presented during the incident however nobody was hurt. He said a small quantity of alcohol was allegedly taken from the store.

Police have not yet found the knife.

Mr Kingsbury said the knife was described as a large carving knife with a black plastic handle.

"It is believed that this knife has been discarded in a property in the area of Otumoetai Rd, Brookfield Tce or Highgrove Pl."

Police want to hear from anyone in the area at the time of the robbery or who witnessed any suspicious activity.

"Police also ask that residents in the area check their properties for the discarded knife."

Anyone with information should contact Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.