Hamilton robber left empty-handed after two failed hold ups

Waikato Police are looking to locate a man who went on a failed crime spree on Sunday. Photo / File

A robber has walked away empty-handed after attempting to rob a liquor store and dairy in Hamilton.

Waikato Police are looking to locate a man who went on a failed crime spree on Sunday night, not only holding up two Hamilton stores, but also car jacking a woman's vehicle.

Waikato CIB Detective Sergeant Scott Neilson said the crime spree began at 6.30pm on Sunday when the man wielded a screwdriver and demanded money at Black Bull liquor store on Peachgrove Rd.

Within a few seconds the man was said to have left the store empty-handed.

"Outside the liquor store, he approached a woman in a parked vehicle, threatened her and stole the vehicle," Neilson said.

After fleeing in the woman's car, the man then attempted a second robbery at Knighton Road Dairy on Knighton Rd in Hillcrest.

Neilson said the man again demanded cash but when he got nothing, he fled.

Police chased the car for a short time from Silverdale, before abandoning the pursuit.

The stolen car was later found dumped at a property in Morrinsville.

Neilson said inquiries were continuing to identify and try to locate the man.

The two retailers and the woman from the vehicle were not injured.

He is described as Maori or Polynesian man, of solid build and was wearing a blue overalls over a grey hoodie.

Anyone with information can contact Hamilton police on 07 858 6200, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.