Police are investigating an attempted robbery in a souvenir store in Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui.
At about 2.30pm today (Tuesday 21 July), a man allegedly presented a knife at a female storekeeper and demanded money from her, but then left the shop empty-handed.
Nobody was hurt in the incident. The storekeeper was shaken by the incident and is receiving assistance from Victim Support.
The man is described as being European and aged in his early to mid 20’s, slight build and approximately 5'8" tall with facial hair on his chin and gaps between his teeth. He had mid-length black hair and was wearing a grey check jacket with a light blue hooded top underneath it.
The man was seen to run to a vehicle which was parked nearby in Prince Avenue and he drove off a short time later. The vehicle is described as an older model 4-door sedan with faded red paint.
Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury said that it appeared that the man had been in the souvenir store for approximately 30 minutes prior to the attempted robbery and that it was possible he had been in other shops in the area as well.
Detective Sergeant Kingsbury appealed for anybody with information to come forward. He said that the fact that the man had presented the knife was extremely concerning and that it was fortunate that nobody was hurt. He stressed that somebody in the community would know who was involved and would hold the key to solving the incident.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Mount Maunganui Police on 07 5753143.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Detective Sergeant Alan KINGSBURY on 07 5753143.