KEY POINTS:
Hamilton police are worried that a spate of armed robberies in the city since the weekend are linked and are asking dairy owners to step up security, particularly if they are open after dark.
The most recent aggravated robbery occurred about 7pm on Monday, when two men held up a River Rd dairy and tied up and assaulted the owner.
"This was a particularly nasty attack," said Detective Sergeant Andy Bubear of Hamilton CIB. "The dairy owner was forced into the back of his shop, tied up and then assaulted before the assailants fled with a large amount of cigarettes, tobacco and some cash.
"These men would have been carrying some sort of bags to transport the stolen items and may have had a vehicle parked nearby."
One of the two offenders was described as being possibly of Asian descent and of medium height and build. His co-offender was thought to be Maori and of similar build.
Last Friday two men wearing masks and holding pistols confronted staff at a liquor store in Cambridge Rd, Hillcrest. The pair, described as Maori, escaped with two bottles of spirits and a small amount of cash.
On Saturday night the Urlich Shopping Centre in Melville was targeted, again by two male Maori offenders brandishing pistols.
The men assaulted the shop owner before leaving with a small amount of cash and a large amount of tobacco.
Mr Bubear said that shortly after the robbery the two men were seen walking in the direction of Pine Ave.
"We'd like to hear from anyone who may have seen two Maori men carrying at least one large bag along the road at this time," he said.
Police said the three crimes were possibly linked, and warned shopkeepers to watch for suspicious activity as they locked up at the end of the day.
"It appears the offenders are targeting businesses as they close, and we're asking other dairy and late-night business owners to be wary," Mr Bubear said. "Look at reviewing security and if an incident occurs comply with the offenders' demands."
