Robbers take cash, smokes

Police are searching for two men who robbed a New Plymouth petrol station armed with a knife and a screwdriver.

Detective Sergeant Pat Yates said the men had entered the Spotswood Challenge station on South Rd at 1.10am on Friday.

The men took cigarettes, tobacco and cash from the shop.

Yates said the men threatened the attendant with a knife and a screwdriver.

‘‘He complied with their demands which is what we ask people to do.’’

After they left the attendant, who was not injured, set off a panic alarm and rang police.

The men were described by the attendant as both having brown skin.

One was about 183 centimetres tall, atheletic, wearing a lightcoloured t-shirt and dark pants, with another light coloured shirt obscuring his face.

The other man was stocky and wearing a deep red GAP hoodie with a blue bandana covering his face.

After the robbery they left the station in a silver 1996 Nissan Pulsar with a black bonnet, black front bumper and black petrol cap.

Yates said the car had been seen heading towards Oakura before it was later found back in Spotswood.

‘‘It was recovered by police at one of the Back Beach car parks around 2.10am,’’ Yates said.

The car had been stolen earlier and the owner had not seen it since 9.30pm on Thursday.

Police want to hear from anyone who has been offered cheap cigarettes or tobacco or who saw the car on Thursday night or early on Friday. They can be contacted on 06 7595500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.