A staff member at a Hamilton service station fled for safety in a back room as robbers smashed their way inside.
Waikato police Senior Sergeant Phil Ruddell said that meant the staff member escaped injury in the 2.10am incident at the Mobil on the corner of Clyde St and Peachgrove Rd.
Ruddell said the four offenders smashed the front glass before ripping out the till and the cigarette cabinet before fleeing.
The car believed to have been used by the group was later found in Melville with the empty till and cabinet still inside. It was towed an will now be analysed by forensic staff.
A second vehicle believed to have been used in the incident was later found in Ngaruawahia. that is also being recovered.
