Working through interpreters Hamilton detectives investigating Wednesday's attempted robbery of a Hillcrest dairy believe the offender was the same man who stole tobacco from the shop the day before.
Detective Chris McRae said Police believe it was the same man who entered the Knighton Rd Dairy about 5.35pm Wednesday armed with a pistol as who went to the store on Tuesday about 1.40pm and stole two packets of tobacco before running off.
"In the second incident things took a far more sinister turn with the offender showing the shopkeeper he had a handgun in the waistband of his trousers, he again demanded tobacco but fled the store empty handed."
Mr McRae said in the first incident the victim was a female shop worker while on Wednesday the victim was male.
"The offender was wearing the same clothing in both incidents, a black hooded sweatshirt, a cap with light coloured peak, sunglasses and white and black sneakers with white toes.
"During Wednesday's attempted robbery he wore a dark coloured bandana over his mouth and he fled the store heading up Knighton Rd before heading down Knighton Ln and into Greensboro Park."
Anyone who identifies the man in the photos or who has information on either incident is asked to contact Mr McRae at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555 111.
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