Police appeal after Bay of Plenty dairies targeted by knife-wielding robbers

Brookfield Superette was targeted by a person with a knife on Saturday night. Photo/George Novak

A woman working at a Tauranga dairy was the target of a knife-wielding robber overnight.

The woman had been working at Brookfield Superette last night when a male entered the store about 7pm.

A police media spokeswoman said the male presented a knife to the woman but she managed to secure herself at the back of the shop and was uninjured.

The offender did not take anything, the spokeswoman said.

Police officers attended the attempted aggravated robbery but the male had fled on foot.

He was wearing blue pants, a black hoodie and white shoes.

Indications suggest the male attempted to get into the till, she said.

Officers have returned to the shop todayfor further forensic examination.

The incident comes as police appeal for sightings of another attempted aggravated robbery in the Bay of Plenty.

About 5.35pm on Friday, a man entered the Allandale Superette in Whakatane with a large knife and demanded money.

Again, the shop assistant was not harmed and the man left empty-handed. The offender was described as of medium height, stocky build and about 30 years old. He wore a blue hoodie and light-coloured pants.

The spokeswoman said the incidents did not appear to be linked.

People with information on either incident are asked to contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.