A masked man pointed a gun at a shop employee before stealing cash and cigarettes in a brazen robbery in Dunedin this morning.
Detective Sergeant Nik Leigh said police were called around 10.40am to an aggravated robbery at the On the Spot Halfway Bush Convenience Store on the corner of Ashmore St and Taieri Rd.
"The man entered the store, presented a rifle at the shop employee and made off with an unknown amount of cash and tobacco," Leigh said.
"No shots were fired and no one was injured in this robbery."
Leigh said the man, whose face was covered, was believed to have left in a silver hatchback last seen in the area at 10.50am.
The man was described as having a medium build wearing a distinctive grey hoody with a circular emblem on the chest.
"It is likely the offender is looking to sell the tobacco at discounted rates. Anyone who is offered tobacco at a discounted rate is asked to come forward," Leigh said.
Anyone with information can call Leigh at Dunedin Police Station on (03) 471 4800 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.