Takeaway owner threw hot fat at alleged robber

A takeaway owner threw fat at a teenager allegedly armed and attempting to rob his store.

Kevin Ly, the owner of Uncle Lee's Takeaways on Ranolf St, Rotorua, spattered the teenager with a ladle of hot fat after he allegedly presented a knife and demanded money about 2pm.

Mr Ly told the Daily Post the youth entered the store twice -- the first time to look at the menu.

He returned two minutes later carrying a knife and a bag and allegedly told Mr Ly to fill it with cash.

Refusing to hand over any money, Mr Ly grabbed a ladle containing hot fat and threw it over the teenager, who quickly left the store, he said.

Police were called, and within a couple of hours a youth was spotted acting suspiciously walking along a nearby road.

He was carrying a knife and clothing which matched the description given by Mr Ly.

A 16-year-old Rotorua youth was charged with aggravated robbery and was to appear in the Rotorua Youth Court today.

Yesterday's incident was the second time this year Chinese-born Mr Ly has been the alleged victim of crime.

He was robbed of cash about five months ago but insists he will not let anyone get the better of him.

"I don't let it worry me too much. I'm keeping my shop open."

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)