Boys charged over service station hold-up

File photo / NZ Herald

Two boys have been charged with the hold-up of a service station in Rotorua last Friday.

Detective Sergeant George Staunton of Rotorua CIB said a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old would appear in Rotorua Youth Court tomorrow charged with aggravated robbery.

A weapon police claim was used in the robbery has also been found.

Mr Staunton thanked the "number of people" who contacted police about the crime.

He said investigations continued into other robberies.

A Kawerau man parked near Curtis Rd near Tikitere was confronted by two thugs at about 3pm on Thursday last week.

The men took their victim's wallet before driving towards Lake Rotoma in a "silvery brown" Nissan Skyline.

An angry shop owner hit a would-be robber over the head with a mop when the assailant tried to steal the till from the Koutu Rd Four Square at about 7pm on Monday.

The offender, who left empty-handed, wore a balaclava that showed only his eyes.

Police are also searching for two males who wielded knives and demanded money from staff at the King Dragon Takeaway at the Owhata Shops at about 7.30pm on Monday.

The owners picked up a pot and a chair and told the robbers to leave, forcing them to run onto Te Ngae Rd, heading east.

Anyone with information that could help police should call the Rotorua station on 07 349 9400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.