Car stolen from Napier used by armed offenders in Gisborne dairy robbery

A car stolen from Napier was used as a getaway vehicle for a group of armed robbers who held up a Gisborne dairy. Photo / Google Maps

A car stolen from Napier was used as a getaway vehicle for a group of armed robbers who held up a Gisborne dairy.

Police were called to the theft at Hospital Store on Ormond Rd, in the Gisborne suburb of Mangapapa, about 8am on Tuesday.

A police spokeswoman said three men entered the store, one armed with a weapon, and stole tobacco and money before leaving in a vehicle.

The getaway car, believed to be a silver-coloured Mazda Familia hatchback, was reported stolen from Napier on Sunday night.

The car is believed to have passed through Wairoa on the day of the robbery.

The vehicle was later recovered, but the three men - described as Māori, aged 18 to 22 and of average height – remain at large.

The police spokeswoman said it is not uncommon for offenders to use stolen vehicles to commit crimes.

"These vehicles may be stolen from nearby the offence location or on occasion from other towns and cities.

"Police encourage people to secure their vehicles at all times and contact police if they see anything suspicious."

The spokeswoman said nobody was injured during the robbery in Gisborne.

Police conducted a scene examination at the store and forensically examined the stolen vehicle, but no arrests have been made.

A CIB investigation is ongoing.

Police would like to hear anyone who saw the silver-coloured Mazda Familia with three men in it overnight on Monday, January 11 to Tuesday, January 12.

The public are urged to contact police on 105 and quote file number 210112/2170.