Police appeal for information after Kaikohe dairy robbed at gunpoint

Police want to hear from anyone with information about the robbery at the Kaikohe Discount Store this morning. PHOTO / SUPPLIED

A handgun was pointed at a terrified shopkeeper early this morning in the latest of a spate of armed robberies around the Mid North.

The robbery took place at the Kaikohe Discount Store, a new dairy at the bottom of Broadway, just after 5am.

Detective Sergeant Chris Fouhy, of Kaikohe police, said the offender entered the store holding a handgun, pointed it at the shopkeeper, and demanded money and cigarettes.

He took cash from the till and a large number of cigarettes before fleeing the shop.

The shopkeeper was on his own at the time.

The offender, whose face was covered, was about 170-175cm in height, of medium build, and wearing dark clothing and gloves.

Mr Fouhy said it was only the latest in a spate of robberies targeting dairies, a service station and a fast food store in the Mid North in recent months.

"This is a concerning attack that could have resulted in serious injuries to the shopkeeper. It has left the victim traumatised,'' he said.

Mr Fouhy urged anyone with information about the robbery to call the Kaikohe station on (09) 405 2960 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.