A Gisborne dairy worker has been left “really scared” after he was confronted by two teenagers armed with a tomahawk and briefly chased during a robbery.
Two heavily disguised teenage males of slim build entered the Mill Rd store on Gladstone Rd about 9am on Friday, Detective Sergeant Brent Griffiths said.
Griffiths, of the Gisborne Crime Squad, said the pair robbed the store attendant and stole a large amount of cigarettes.
The attendant said the pair came to the store twice.
“The first time they drove off because there were customers inside,” he said.
“They came inside about 15-20 minutes later, with masks on and armed with an axe.
“I hit my panic button and stepped back into the kitchen area of the shop.
“One of them chased me into the rear of the shop, but he stopped and went back when I called for help from a colleague.
“They both broke into the cigarette dispenser with the axe, filled a large bag full of cigarettes, ran out to their car and drove off.”
The incident “really scared” him.
“Something like this has never happened to me before.”
The pair fled in a stolen silver Nissan Tiida, which was found in Campbell St about two hours later, Griffiths said.
“If you know the whereabouts and movements of the car before or after the robbery, know details of the offenders, or have any information regarding the robbery or distribution of the cigarettes, you’re urged to contact police,” Griffiths said.
“This brazen offending won’t be tolerated.”
Contact police on 105, either by phone or online, using file number 260306/0305.
Information could also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
- An earlier version of this article said the name of the Mill Rd store had changed. This was incorrect.