Another Rotorua business has been held up by armed robbers.
Thirsty Liquor Mitchell Downs, next to the Mitchell Downs Tavern on Goldie St, was the subject of an aggravated robbery about 12.20pm yesterday.
Four Rotorua businesses have now been hit a total of five times in the past two weeks.
A staff member at the tavern was threatened by two offenders armed with an iron bar and knife. No one was hurt and the offenders have got away with a quantity of cigarettes, alcohol and cash.
The offenders are both believed to be male.
Police are appealing for any sightings of the offenders in the area around the Mitchell Downs Tavern.
Police said they were investigating the possibility the aggravated robbery was committed by the same group responsible for the two previous robberies at the Westbrook Tavern.
Yesterday, police in Rotorua searched houses in Rotorua and arrested a 21-year-old local man.
He is facing two charges of aggravated robbery in relation to the Westbrook Tavern offences and is appearing in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow.
Detective John Hope said it was worrying yesterday's robbery happened during daylight hours.
"This robbery has taken place in the middle of the day when I am sure there will have been local people out and about in the area.
The offenders have run into the area behind the tavern and could have headed into the recreation reserve or back into Goldie St.
I would appeal to the public to come forward with any sightings of suspicious activity or information in relation to this aggravated robbery."
On Friday last week, police released security camera photographs of robberies in Rotorua in the hope the public could help catch the offenders.
Westbrook Tavern has been robbed twice, on Saturday June 30 and Tuesday July 10.
The Ranolf Street Superette was robbed on Monday July 9 and the Fenton Park Dairy was robbed on Wednesday July 11.
An 18-year-old was arrested for the Ranolf St robbery. It is not believed this teenager is responsible for the other robberies.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Rotorua police on (07) 349 9400.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.