Police investigate aggravated robbery at cake shop

The Manukau Police are investigating a serious Aggravated Robbery that occurred at the premises of The Cheese Cake Shop, located at 21 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe.

The incident occurred at about 6.10pm on Friday evening the 26th of October 2007.

The circumstances are that at about this time a male offender has entered the cheese cake shop armed with a pistol.

Working at the shop were 2 females. The offender has directed the females to the rear of the shop where he has demanded money, which was handed to him.

He has then tied the 2 females up and threatened them in what can be described as an extremely terrifying experience for the females.

During the robbery 1 of the females has managed to free herself and grabbed the pistol from the offender who then ran from the shop.

The female chased him back behind the shop through an access way where a number of other persons were.

She has yelled out for help, however no one helped her and she continued chasing the offender to a nearby vehicle that he had parked in a carpark on Charles Street, Papatoetoe.

The vehicle was parked behind a rear entrance door to the premises of M. J Breen Panel Beaters.

He got into the vehicle and the female attempted to smash the vehicles window with the pistol. She was unsuccessful and the offender drove off in an easterly direction on Charles Street.

The offender is described as a large male Maori or Polynesian, about 6 foot tall. He was wearing blue overalls and had his face covered.

His vehicle is described as an older style Red Toyota Corolla station wagon.

Police are seeking to hear from anyone who may have seen this person lurking around prior to the robbery, and or being chased immediately after, along with anyone who may have observed his vehicle parked in the Charles Street Carpark.

Any information can be directed to the Manukau Crime Squad via the Manukau Police station on 2950200.