Armed robbers raid Takapuna restaurant Tokyo Bay, police appeal for information

• Two armed robbers threatened staff at a Takapuna restaurant last night.
• Police are appealing for public assistance to locate the offenders, who fled with stolen items.
• No one was injured, and the weapons were not firearms, according to a police spokesperson.

A manager of a Takapuna restaurant on Auckland North Shore ran into a neighbouring business crying after armed robbers threatened staff with weapons.

Multiple items were stolen from Takapuna eatery Tokyo Bay, according to police, and those who held up the restaurant are still on the run.

A staff member from a neighbouring restaurant said they ushered diners into the back of their premises while the robbery took place next door.

“There were a few customers in our restaurant so we closed the doors and moved everyone into the kitchen at the back.”

He said the manager of the next-door restaurant came in screaming and crying after the incident, saying they had been robbed and asking for help.

A police spokesperson said they were called to The Strand at 9.25pm after the two offenders threatened staff with weapons.

Police cordoned off a restaurant on The Strand, Takapuna, following a robbery. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The spokesperson confirmed the weapons were not firearms and nobody was injured.

“The offenders have taken a number of items before leaving in a vehicle prior to police arrival.

“Police are working hard to find those responsible and are appealing to the public for any information which may assist.”

An NZME photographer on the scene said police cordoned off The Strand while they investigated the incident last night.

Photos from the scene show glass strewn over the floor of the restaurant from the smashed windows.

A St John spokesperson said they were initially called to the incident before being stood down.

Police are continuing to hunt for the two armed offenders. Photo / Hayden Woodward.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance to find the offenders.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police online at police.govt.nz/use-105 or via the 105 phone service and quote job number P061336625.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.