Aggravated Robbery in Bay of Plenty District, 5:00pm

Tauranga CIB are currently investigating an Aggravated Robbery which occurred at the Super liquor Store on Newton Road, Mt Maunganui, at about midday on Tuesday the 30.12.08.

Detective Sergeant Zane Smith said that a lone male offender entered the store and approached a female staff member.

He demanded that the female staff member put money from the till into a bag that he had brought with him.

He reached into the till and taken cash before walking around the till and taking packets of tobacco.

At the time he was carrying what is believed to be a firearm wrapped in an item of clothing or some sort of fabric.

He has left the store and the Police were called.

The offender is described as:
A male, with an olive complexion, possibly Maori, tall of slim build. His face was skinny and he was clean shaven.

At the time he was wearing a dark colored beanie, dark sunglasses, and a lighter coloured hooded top under a dark jacket. He also had dark coloured tracksuit pants and white sneakers.

At about the time he left the liquor store an older style Khaki green four door vehicle was seen driving on Newton Street towards Hewlett's Road. The vehicle may or may not be connected to the Robbery.

Shortly before the robbery two females came into the store and left without purchasing anything. These persons may have seen the offender prior to the robbery and Police would like to speak to them as they may be able to assist with the inquiry.

Police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information in regard to the robbery and the green vehicle. Police are also interested in hearing from the two females who may be able to assist with the offenders movements prior to the robbery.

Any one with any information about this incident is asked to call the Tauranga Police Station (07 5774300)or 0800 SPEAKUP