Tauranga spice shop employee injured in struggle with robber

Police responded to an armed robbery at the Quality Food and Spices store in Cameron Rd, Tauranga.

A shop attendant was injured this evening after struggling with an armed robber at a spice and food shop in Tauranga.

The violent robbery happened around 7.15pm at the Quality Food and Spices store on Cameron Rd, near Fifth Ave.

A male entered the store and brandished a "blunt weapon", according to Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier.

"He demanded money from the attendant and a struggle between the two ensued. The offender then left the premises," Brazier said.

"The victim has received minor injuries and will be receiving medical treatment and support this evening."

It is not clear whether anything was taken.

The offender was seen wearing dark clothing and a balaclava and fled the scene heading west down Cameron Rd, toward Burger King.

It comes just 24 hours after a female staff member at a Tauranga video shop was left traumatised after two men, one armed with a machete, held up the store and fled with a small amount of cash.

The two offenders, who wore hoodies over their faces, entered the United Video store near Fraser Cove about 7.35pm on Tuesday.

Detective Kevin Shields of Western Bay of Plenty CIB said a small amount of money was stolen, including a couple of bags containing coins.

The two robberies are the latest in spate of armed hold-ups in the city.
Police have arrested three men in relation to an armed robbery at Lucky 7 Superette on Maungatapu Rd on April 26, which involved the use of a pistol.

Police said the alleged offenders, aged 16, 18 and 19, have all been charged with aggravated robbery, and are currently before the courts.

Police are yet to make arrests following the April ram-raid at the Thirsty Liquor store on Chapel St, involving three masked men using a silver Mazda Familia or similar.

Also outstanding are two men armed with sticks who smashed up property at Tauranga Liquorland on April 6, before one offender assaulted a staff member with a piece of wood.

If anyone has any information about any of these incidents they should call Tauranga police on 577 4300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 511 511.