Armed robbers have allegedly taken thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes, liquor and cash as a bottle store manager was closing for the night.
Police say they are investigating after three people entered the Marguerita St store in Rotorua about 8pm on Tuesday, one armed with a metal pole.
“They have demanded the staff member hand over money and cigarettes and have taken a number of items from the store before leaving,” a spokesman said.
“Within three minutes of police being alerted, the suspect vehicle was seen driving along Fenton St where it failed to stop when signalled by police.
“The vehicle was found abandoned near the intersection of Rimu and Miller Sts,” the spokesman said.