Whakatane dairy robbery: Police seek help from public

Police are seeking help from the public as they investigate an aggravated robbery at Mananui Dairy in Whakatane.

About 7.10am on Saturday two men entered the dairy on James St with their faces covered, carrying wooden weapons and stole cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said police had some positive lines of inquiry but were still seeking information from the public.

"We remain focused on the fact these offenders used weapons to commit this robbery, and we want to prevent them from reoffending.

"We have captured those responsible for the most recent robbery at Gull Service Station (on November 4), and I remain confident that with help with information from the public we will apprehend those responsible for this act of violence," he said.

Standen said police remained committed to ensuring the people of Whakatane and the Eastern Bay of Plenty remained safe and would continue to work to hold offenders to account.

Anyone who was in the area of Mananui Dairy around 7am on Saturday who saw anything unusual or that could help police are asked to contact Whakatane police on (07) 308 5255.

Alternatively anonymous information can be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.