Kaikohe dairy robbed at gunpoint

A Kaikohe Discount Store worker confronts a gun-toting robber.

A handgun was been pointed at a shopkeeper in Kaikohe on Friday, as a spate of armed robberies around the Mid North continued.

The offender entered the Kaikohe Discount Store, a new dairy at the bottom of Broadway, just after 5am, pointing a gun at the shopkeeper, who was alone on the premises, and demanding money and cigarettes. He took cash from the till and a large quantity of cigarettes before fleeing.

The armed robber leaps over the counter of the Kaikohe Discount Store and flees after grabbing cash and cigarettes.

Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy said the offender, whose face was covered, was wearing dark clothing and gloves. He was described as about 170-175cm in height and of medium build. The incident was concerning, he added, given that the victim, who had been left traumatised, could have been severely injured.

He urged anyone with any information to call the Kaikohe police station on (09) 405-2960 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555-111.

An armed robbery at the Kaikohe Discount Store has left a staff member traumatised.

The last six months have seen armed robberies at a Waipapa service station, Kaikohe McDonald's and two Kaikohe dairies.

In November two youths robbed the Omapere Foodmart at knifepoint, also taking cash and cigarettes.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested later that day and a 13-year-old was apprehended in December. Both have been charged in the Kaikohe Youth Court with aggravated robbery.