Police Notebook: Attacked dairy owner still in pain but back at work

After a frightening ordeal in which he was attacked by a man with a hammer who then made off with cigarettes, the owner of Rotorua's Rosedale Superette is back at work and thankful for the support he has received.

Baldev Govind has owned the Owhata dairy since 2004 and this is the first time he had been attacked at work.

"I am not scared, we have to be here to stay open, so I can't be.

"This is the first time it's happened."

Govind said he was "lucky" he was wearing his hat at the time it happened, but he is still in a lot of pain and has a lump on the side of his head.

"I went for a scan at the hospital, I have big bruises, but I am still alright.

"There is still a lot of pain, and I can't sleep at the moment when there's a sharp pain."

Police have reviewed CCTV footage of the scene but were unable to get a clear image, so Govind has since installed new cameras, he said.

"Lots of people have shown their support, there have been a lot of flowers coming in and people really do care.

"We've been here for a long time and we've got some good customers."

Former mayor and Lynmore resident Grahame Hall said it was appalling to hear what Govind had gone through while doing his job.

"We need to find some way to break this serious crime cycle."

If you have any information call Rotorua CIB (07) 348 0099 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

Widespread burglaries
There were seven burglaries across Rotorua over the last week.

At one Devon St property, the offender entered through the window and closed the curtains behind them.

There was a messy search of the house and a TV, Play Station 4, games, a Nike bag, phone chargers and bags of lollies were stolen.

At a Pukaki St address, the front door was forced open and a laptop stolen.

Stolen vehicles
Over the last week one trailer, four motorcycles, two commercial vehicles, four pairs of registration plates and six cars were stolen in the Rotorua area.

A silver 1998 Nissan Pulsar, registration DLJ388, taken from Hinemaru St on Sunday.

A white 1996 Nissan Sunny, registration CUF172, taken from Okere Falls on Friday.

A black 2009 Honda City, registration FBN630, taken from Rangiuru St on Friday.

A silver 2017 Toyota RAV4, registration KYJ919, taken from Te Ngae Rd, Owhata on Thursday.

A silver 2006 Ford Mondeo, registration DNR696, taken from Ohinemutu on Wednesday.

A silver 2005 Holden Commodore, registration CUT634, taken from Tania Cres, Western Heights on Tuesday.