The brown Toyota Corolla, registration number NR2057, was abandoned at the Takahiwai Rugby League grounds in Ruakaka. Mr Crawford said it had been stolen from the Okara Shopping Centre in Whangarei on Friday.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who had seen the theft of the car or seen it being driven in Whangarei and Ruakaka. Mr Crawford said police also wanted to hear from anyone who had seen suspicious activity.
"We would particularly like to hear from One Tree Point and Takahiwai residents who saw this car and noticed anything suspicious in the area prior to the robbery and after it occurred," he said.
In October 2013, the owners of the same store were threatened by a man with a knife who tried to grab money from the till before scarpering.
Anyone with information about the latest One Tree Point robbery is asked to call the Whangarei Tactical Crime Unit on 09 430 4500 or if they want to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, police in Kaitaia were searching for a man in his 20s who assaulted a store owner and took a box of cigarettes yesterday.
Kaitaia police said a man entered Pricecutters on Commerce St about 10am, went behind the counter and grabbed a carton of cigarettes.
The shop owner tried to stop the man but was punched, suffering minor injuries. His assailant left on foot in the direction of Bank St.
The man was described as Maori with blonde hair and beard.
Anyone with information should call Kaitaia Police on 09 408 6500 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
