Whangarei police increase patrols after aggravated robberies

An aggravated robbery at Maunu Superette on Monday was one of three on small businesses in just over two weeks. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Whangarei police have increased patrols around dairies and liquor outlets after three aggravated robberies of small businesses in just over two weeks, including one where a dairy owner chased an alleged gun-wielding robber.

Maunu Superette in Whangarei was targeted just after 5pm on Monday but the alleged robber fled empty handed after threatening the dairy owner with what he believed to be a pellet gun.

Monday's aggravated robbery comes two days after three men allegedly threatened staff at Otaika Four Square and made off with cash and tobacco on Saturday night.

Maunu Four Square, located 1.2km from Maunu Superette, was robbed of cigarettes on March 5.

In August last year, a female shoplifter allegedly punched the owner of Maunu Superette in the face twice and in 2008, the businessman was confronted by a man brandishing a knife.

Area Commander Whangarei and Kaipara, Inspector Justin Rogers, said police patrols around dairies and liquor shops in Maunu and Otaika areas have increased as a result of the latest aggravated robberies.

No arrests had been made by yesterday and police had not ruled out a link between all three aggravated robberies.

The owner of Maunu Superette, who did not wish to be identified, said a man, wearing a Nike cap and a white cloth wrapped around his face walked into the dairy and ordered him to empty the till while pointing a gun at him.

"He struck me on my shoulder once and threatened a customer who was watching from outside for him not to come inside. All of a sudden he ran from the shop," he said.

His wife and 10-year-old son were also in the shop at the time. The boy fled to the back of the dairy and locked himself and his younger sister inside the living area of the business.

The businessman said he and two customers chased the alleged robber through an alleyway but lost him on First Ave.

He said aggravated robberies of dairies in Whangarei would continue to happen until laws were toughened and robbers were made to do hard labour.

Mr Rogers said eight officers responded to the call for help. One detective spoke to the dairy owner, while seven others scoured surrounding streets, visiting homes and talking to people.

He said photos taken from the surveillance footage were passed on to investigating officers.

Mr Rogers said shop owners should comply with the demands of those who terrorise and rob them rather than put their lives and that of their families in danger by fighting back.