Police have launched a campaign to address rising aggravated robberies.
They will be offering rewards for people who provide information that leads to successful prosecutions after a rise in violent robberies of dairies and service stations, including four in Whanganui since December.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said yesterday: "Police are deeply concerned about the rise in this violent crime due to its significant impact on small business owners and their workers and communities."
A month-long campaign - "There is nothing good about stolen goods" - was launched yesterday by police and Crimestoppers to target those responsible for receiving and dealing in stolen property from the robberies.
"Additional police resources have been directed to focus on the increase in aggravated robberies, with new taskforces dedicated to catching offenders, additional staff on patrol and supporting retailers to undertake preventive activities," Mr Bush said.