Dairy staff give robbers a run for their money

Robbers got more than they bargained for when attempting to rob two dairies. File photo / Photostock

Robbers got more than they bargained for in two attempted robberies of dairies in the past few days.

Today, a would-be robber fled in frustration today when an Auckland shop attendant would not give him money.

The robber, a man aged in his 20s, entered the White Swan Superette in suburban Mt Roskill at about 10.30am.

He threatened the two store attendants with a concealed weapon beneath his jacket and demanded money.

A store attendant grabbed a golf club from behind the counter and waved it at the offender, telling him to get out of the shop.

The attendants also asked two customers who came into the store to call police.

Police said the offender did not leave immediately and repeated his demands for money.

But he finally lost patience with the attendant when she wouldn't give him money, and instead grabbed the hand-set for the cordless phone out of her hand and fled.

The man was described as 1.83m to 1.85m tall, dark skinned, of slim build and aged 22 to 25 years. He spoke with a strong Maori accent.

He was wearing a black scarf, covering his head and face so only his eyes could be seen, a black sleeveless jacket, black long-sleeved tee shirt under the jacket, and dark coloured trousers.

Police are appealing for any sightings of the man who fled along Richardson Road.

On Saturday, a man involved in a raid on a Gisborne dairy got more than he bargained for after the shop owner fought back.

The young man and three others entered the Elgin Dairy on Saturday afternoon and began stealing items off the shelves.

When the owner objected, he was hit several times on the face and head.

But he refused to lie down and struck back at his attacker, causing injuries to his hands and legs.

The young man was treated at Gisborne Hospital for his injuries, which included broken bones, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott told NZPA.

He was later charged with assaulting the owner, who was also treated at the hospital for bruising and later discharged.

Language difficulties involved in speaking to the dairy owner - who is of Chinese descent - meant details of the incident remained sketchy, Mr Scott said.

"Some people were trying to steal some items from the shop and it's escalated to a situation outside the shop," he said.

It was uncertain if the man charged with assault or the shopkeeper were using weapons, Mr Scott said. Police knew the others involved, but needed to determine their culpability before further arrests were made, he said.

- NZPA