A 33-year-old man was arrested in Napier less than two hours after he allegedly committed an aggravated robbery while on release conditions after a previous sentence for robbery.
Police said a man entered a dairy on the corner of Charles and Alfred Sts, Westshore, about 9.45am yesterday brandishing a "baseball" bat.
Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Steve Nicoll said the man unsuccessfully tried to open the till but left with cigarettes valued about $1500 and was driven away by an accomplice.
Nicoll said "excellent police work" led to the arrest of a patched gang member about 11.30am, the recovery of stolen property and the alleged weapon.
Charges are pending, and the man remains in custody awaiting court appearances.