Armed thieves strike again - this time at Waikato BP

BP service station in Horotiu was the target of armed thieves overnight who made off with cigarettes and cash. No one was injured. Photo/File

Armed thieves are at it again in the Waikato, this time smashing their way into a BP service station.

Although the station at Horotiu was manned, the staff member was in an office out the back when the two people came in about midnight, Waikato police Senior Sergeant David Raffan said.

"They've entered the store via a front sliding door and jumped over the counter. They've taken cash and cigarettes and have left the scene.

"[Staff member] hasn't had any interaction with the persons that were there."

The pair used some sort of tool to smash their way inside.

"He's heard all the noise and called the police," he said.

Police CIB staff would be back at the scene this morning.

Raffan said it was too early to say if it was linked to a series of other aggravated robberies that have plagued the district in recent weeks.

It's the second armed incident to occur at BP Horotiu this year after it was targeted in March by three men armed with screwdrivers.

Michael Hill in the Centre Place Shopping Centre, McDonald's Greenwood St and two dairies have been hit armed robbers in Hamilton between July 8 and July 12.

Raffan said this morning's incident was classified as burglary as the staff member was not threatened by the thieves.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hamilton police on 07 858 6200.