Gunman robs Waitara dairy

New Plymouth and Waitara police are working together to find the man who robbed a Waitara dairy at gunpoint on Sunday night and says they need help from the public.

At around 6.30pm on Sunday one man came into the High Street Dairy in Waitara with a gun and stole money from the till and also tobbaco products. 

Police said there were two employees behind the shop counter when the dark-clothed man entered the dairy with a black cloth concealing the lower half of his face.

Waitara CIB Detective Mike Thorne said the man produced an imitation firearm.

"The offender has helped himself to the money in the till and has also filled his backpack up with tobacco products. While this was happening he lifted up his hoodie and flashed what we believe to be a small black imitation pistol or handgun at one of the employees."

The man left the dairy and turned left onto High Street and then went left again onto Browne Street.

Following this the employees then contacted police who revealed details of the robbery around 1pm Monday

The man has been described as tall and solidly built.

He was wearing a distinctive hoodie with large yellow, white, and green banded stripes as well as black jeans or trousers, white hi-cut basketball type sneakers, and a dark grey backpack with a rounded top.

"We are appealing to the public to help us identify the offender and we encourage anyone who may have information relevant to our investigation to contact us. This includes anyone who saw a man matching the description in the High and Browne Street areas between 6:30-7pm on Sunday"

If anyone has any information relevant to the investigation please contact Detective Mike Thorne on (06) 754 9200. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.