Dairy robbed at gunpoint

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE Glad Store dairy near the Gladstone Road-Stanley Road intersection was robbed last night and police believe some sort of firearm was involved.

Three people wearing dark clothing entered the shop at about 7.30pm and threatened the shop proprietors before making off with the till and cigarettes.

“One of them was armed with what we believe was a BB-type pistol,” said Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford.

“They threatened the husband and wife who own the store, then removed a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco from a display case and took the shop till.”

Det Sgt Ford said the trio “roughed up” the shop proprietors in the process.

“The couple were assaulted, suffered some injuries and were obviously shaken up.”

The three robbers were in the shop for only a short time, he said.

“We have spoken to witnesses who said they made off on foot across Gladstone Road and along Stanley Road towards Aberdeen Road. They could also have run through Barry Park.”

Det Sgt Ford said police want to hear from anyone who saw three people, wearing dark-coloured clothing, walking or running in the Stanley Road-Aberdeen Road area soon after 7.30pm last night.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who might have seen the trio in that area prior to the time of the robbery,” he said.

“Anyone who saw three people answering that description in that general area last night should call us. We would also like to hear from anyone who might have been offered cheap cigarettes and tobacco for sale last night.”

Police have viewed CCTV footage from inside the shop at the time of the robbery.

“The till they took is like a briefcase, black in colour. Anyone who sees it lying around anywhere is asked to contact Gisborne police,” Det Sgt Ford said.

“There will be people out there who know something about this aggravated robbery and we want to hear from

them.”

The dairy reopened this morning but a note on the door from the proprietors indicated they would open later than usual.

The Glad Store was robbed by a 15-year-old youth with an axe in 2011, then again in 2014 by a 23-year-old man with a knife. Arrests were made in both cases.