Kaikohe dairy robbed at gunpoint, police seek information

The offender had a handgun and covered his face when he robbed the Kaikohe Discount Store at the bottom of Broadway. PHOTO / CCTV

A handgun has been pointed at a terrified shopkeeper in the latest of a spate of armed robberies around the Mid North.

The robbery took place at the Kaikohe Discount Store, a new dairy at the bottom of Broadway, just after 5am yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy, of Kaikohe police, said the offender entered the store holding a handgun in his left hand, pointed it at the shopkeeper, and demanded money and cigarettes.

The offender took cash from the till and a large number of cigarettes before fleeing the shop.

The shopkeeper was on his own in the store at the time and was left traumatised by the gun-point robbery.

The offender fled with cigarettes and cash. PHOTO / CCTV

The robber, whose face was covered, was wearing dark clothing and gloves. He was described as about 1.70-1.75m in height and of medium build.

Mr Fouhy said it was only the latest in a spate of robberies targeting Mid North businesses.

"This is a concerning attack that could have resulted in serious injuries to the shopkeeper. It has left the victim traumatised.''

Mr Fouhy urged anyone with information about the robbery to call the Kaikohe station on (09) 405 2960 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

In the past six months armed robbers have also targeted a Waipapa service station, Kaikohe McDonald's and two Kaikohe dairies.

In November last year two youths robbed Omapere Foodmart at knifepoint, also taking cash and cigarettes. A 14-year-old boy was arrested later day and a 13-year-old was arrested in December. Both have been charged in the Kaikohe Youth Court with aggravated robbery.

In September a Hikurangi dairy owner closed down his business after suffering his 11th robbery in 14 years.