Robbers flee as fog activates

Motorists pulling up at Mobil Waipukurau yesterday morning were confronted with police tape and a scene guard after an attempted robbery overnight.

Three masked and hooded offenders, one carrying a weapon, are said to have approached the service station on foot, entering the shop just after 10pm, pushing a bag across the shop counter and demanding money.

The night attendant activated the fog machine, filling the shop with dense fog, before locking himself in the office. The offenders attempted to open the cash drawer, failed, grabbed a number of small items and fled.

Mobil Waipukurau manager Crighton Murcott says he is grateful no one was hurt in the incident. He said police responded quickly and the staff member concerned was to be commended for his quick reactions.

“Nothing was damaged, just a few lollies spilled on the floor and a few inconvenienced motorists this morning who pulled in to fill up and had to drive away again.”

The service station was closed for the morning and CIB was investigating.

A police spokesperson said police were alerted to three people who entered the store at around 10.15pm.

“A staff member was in the store at the time but thankfully was not injured”.