Burglars who threatened a Hamilton dairy owner with a gun and baseball bat while they raided his till were caught trying to make a getaway.
The two men emptied that cash register at The Te Kowhai Food Centre at 3pm today, but fled in a waiting vehicle after the shop owner yelled at them as they tried to steal cigarettes.
Police caught up with the vehicle on the outskirts of Ngaruawahia and pulled it over on Hakarimata Rd, south of Huntly.
Five people were arrested and a pistol was also found in the car.
The thieves were wearing masks and dressed in black clothing and one had a baseball cap on.
