Yesterday (1 September, 2014) the Subway Dairy in Hawera was subject to an attempted aggravated robbery and the Hawera Police are appealing for witnesses in an effort to identify and locate the man responsible.
Detective Paul Davison of the Hawera CIB says: "At about 6:50pm a man entered the dairy with a pistol and presented it at the shopkeeper and demanded money. He wore dark sunglasses and a dark coloured beanie that was pulled down to his eyes."
He has then left the dairy without obtaining anything and ran onto South Road. It is unknown if he had a vehicle or associate/s helping him.
The man is described as European or a light skinned Maori, late teens to early 20s with a moustache, and approximately 6 feet tall. He was wearing dark clothing, gloves, and sneakers.
"This is a nasty crime and the Hawera community needs this offender to be identified and arrested as soon as possible. If anyone has any information about the man or saw any suspicious activity around the South Road area between 6:30pm to 7pm please contact police immediately," says Detective Davison.
The shopkeeper was not injured but was shaken from the incident and is being supported by their family and officers.
CCTV footage is in the process of being analysed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Davison on (06) 278 0260. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.