A new police operation has been launched in Manawatu in response to a recent spate of aggravated robberies in the region.
Police have launched Operation Star which will investigate the recent robberies and ensure business owners and people across the community are best prepared to protect themselves from crime.
Detective Jaz Woollett said the primary target for these robberies has been local dairies, service stations and family owned businesses.
"These offenders are targeting innocent, hard-working people who provide an essential service to us from early in the morning to late in the evenings, seven days a week. We need to be there for them," he said.
"Aggravated robberies are vicious crimes, the trauma they cause should not be underestimated.