Police warn retailers about 'highly strung' offender

Photo / File

Police have warned retailers about an "erratic and highly strung" offender who robbed a Whangarei dairy at gunpoint yesterday.

The man entered the Destination Dairy on Riverside Drive, Whangarei, about 4.25pm, presented a firearm and demanded money from the female shop attendant.

The shop attendant fled to a back room, and the armed man left taking the shop's cash register with him, police said.

He is believed to have left in a blue sedan parked behind the dairy.

The male was described by witnesses as being dark skinned, possibly Maori, approximately 1.85m tall, possibly aged in his 20s and wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

The man's behaviour in the shop was described as erratic and he appeared to be highly strung.

"The risk this behaviour presents causes police serious concern and if retailers are faced with an armed offender, police suggest complete compliance."

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact detective Marion Evans on 09 430 4527 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.