Police are at the scene of Hammer Hardware at the Te Ngae Shopping Centre following an attempted robbery in Rotorua this afternoon.
The offender went into the store about 3.20pm but left empty handed, police communications manager Kim Perks said.
Police were currently in the area following leads and a dog unit was tracking.
Ms Perks said anyone who saw anything should contact police immediately.
Rotorua Daily Post reporter at the scene Shauni James said store owners either side of Hammer Hardware said they didn't witness anything.