Police investigating an aggravated robbery in Dargaville are appealing to the public for help to identify and locate the offender/s.
The robbery occurred about 4.15 pm yesterday at the Hilltop Dairy on Awakino Road, Dargaville.
The female proprietor, who was alone in the shop, was confronted by a man pointing a long barrelled firearm at her. The offender made off with an amount of cash and a number of packets of cigarettes.
The offender then fled on foot travelling in a southerly direction on Awakino Road towards Ranfurly Street.
The 49-year-old female victim, although physically unhurt, was traumatised by the incident and has received support from Victim Support.
The offender, whose age is unknown, is of thin to medium build and about 170 to 180 cm tall. He was wearing a grey coloured hooded sweatshirt, white peaked cap, sunglasses, grey long trousers and sports shoes. He possibly had a red bandanna around the lower part of his face and neck.
Anyone around the vicinity of the Hilltop Dairy at this time on Awakino Road or Ranfurly/Kauri Streets in Dargaville and has noticed anything suspicious in the area, is asked contact Police.
In particular Police are wanting to speak to two men that were seen near the vicinity at the time driving a beige or tan coloured twin cab ute.
Police need to apprehend the offender to prevent any further violent crimes by him and before any person is seriously injured.
Anyone who sees the offender is not to approach him, but to contact police.
Anyone with information can contact the Dargaville CIB on (09) 439-3400, and ask for Detective Sergeant Jonathan Tier (or alternatively Detective Andrew Bailey, or Detective Shawn House.). Information may be also be left anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.