Christchurch Police investigating the aggravated robbery of the Brickworks Restaurant and Bar on Centaurus Road early on Sunday morning are urging licensed premises to be vigilant about security around closing time.
Police say two men, armed with firearms and with their faces covered, entered the closed premises around 12.25am on Sunday and demanded cash from the three staff members on site.
The offenders are believed to have left in a vehicle, making off with a sum of money. No shots were fired and nobody was injured in the incident.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Hill says a scene examination at the bar was completed yesterday, and Police are now focusing on evidence recovered from the scene, including CCTV footage.
There are indications the offenders may have been waiting in the vicinity before the incident occurred.
"We are urging owners of bars and licensed premises to be vigilant and observant about the security of their business around closing time.
"In particular, employees and members of the public should be looking out for people hanging around premises in the period leading up to closing time.
"If anyone sees people loitering in the vicinity of licensed premises when they are closing up, ring Police and report it. We would much rather people contacted us with concerns about suspicious activity than have to deal with situations like this."
Detective Senior Sergeant Hill says Police will be working with the hospitality industry to raise awareness of recommended security measures for licensed premises.
"We are also appealing for any information from members of the public that can help in our investigation.
"If anyone noticed suspicious vehicles or people in the vicinity of the Brickworks on Centaurus Road between 11.30 on Saturday night and 12.30 Sunday morning, we ask them to contact Police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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