Knifepoint robbery at liquor store
An investigation has been launched after a New Plymouth liquor store was robbed of cash and cigarettes at knifepoint.
A person wielding a knife with a 90mm blade and wearing a black hoodie, black shorts, black socks with no shoes and with their face covered entered the Big Barrel store on Devon Rd, Waiwhakaiho, through the front door about 5pm on Sunday.
They forced their way behind the counter and showed the knife to the staff member while demanding money and cigarettes.
Security camera footage shows the culprit grabbing cash from the till and cigarettes from a cabinet on the wall before fleeing the store through the rear doors.
Police were called and searched the area surrounding the store but were unable to locate the offender.
Yesterday, owner Manpreet Walia said while the staff member was not physically harmed in the robbery he was a bit shaken up by the ordeal.
‘‘When you think about it, it’s quite scary,’’ Walia said.
He said police had been provided with CCTV footage.
Duty manager Sandeep Kaur, who has worked for the company for about three years, said she had been confronted by angry customers before but not anyone brandishing a weapon.
‘‘This is the first time someone’s come here with a knife,’’ Kaur said.
She said the offender had a tattoo on their left ankle.
A police spokeswoman said police wanted to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and might have seen the offender.
Anyone who has information about the robbery is encouraged to call 105 and quote case number 201227/1954. Case details can also be passed on anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.