Raiders make pub owner empty safe

By ELIZABETH BINNING

A tavern owner was dragged from his bed at gunpoint early yesterday and forced to empty the pub safe.

The 27-year-old man, who runs the Waihou Tavern near Te Aroha, was later too traumatised to speak publicly about his ordeal.

Police have described how the man and his partner were woken by the front door being smashed.

Before they could investigate, two men burst into their bedroom armed with a gun and a knife. One pulled the publican from his bed and marched him to the tavern, while the other stood guard over the woman.

Within 10 minutes the intruders were gone, with an undisclosed amount of money.

Detective Sergeant Gary Rakena said the robbery, which took place about 1.30am, was well co-ordinated.

The tavern, which also includes a TAB and dining area, was closed yesterday as police searched the area.

Mr Rakena said the publican and his partner were "pretty shaken up".

"These are good people that don't deserve such a thing to happen to them."

One local woman said the publican had only just bought the tavern after managing it for several years.

He usually lived in the house by himself but had his partner staying when the robbers struck.

Mr Rakena said police are appealing to the public for help in finding the offenders.

"Some associate will note that someone has a lot more money than they usually have and we encourage those people to call us in confidence before someone is seriously hurt."

The robbers were both in their mid-late 20s and wore dark clothing. One was Maori, of stocky build and about 1.75m. The other was of medium/slight build and about 1.8m.

* Anyone with information is asked to phone Matamata/Piako CIB on (07) 889-6456.