Ōtangarei store robbery: Armed men assault victim and steal cash, cigarettes

Police are seeking witnesses to an aggravated robbery in the Whangārei suburb of Otangarei last night. Photo / NZME

Police are on the hunt for a group of armed men who stormed a Whangārei store and assaulted a person before fleeing with stolen goods.

Officers were called to the store on William Jones Drive in Ōtangarei about 7.25pm yesterday.

Whangarei Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said the men had entered armed with weapons, that did not include firearms.

Once inside they made demands, police did not specify what for.

Pilmer said a person was assaulted and suffered minor injuries.

“The victim thankfully didn’t require medical treatment but is understandably shaken up.”

The men appeared to have taken cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot in the direction of Taraire Cres.

“This type of violent behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Pilmer said.

“We are now working hard to hold those responsible to account.”

Police wanted to speak with any witnesses or people in the area at the time. They also wanted to hear from anyone offered cheap cigarettes to buy.

Information can be passed on to police via 105 and quoting file number 251210/5639 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.