Armed police swooped on a North Dunedin dairy after a shop assistant was confronted by a masked man yesterday afternoon.
The woman, aged in her 20s, was alone in the Quarry Store in North Rd when the man entered about 2pm.
Detective Sergeant Brett Roberts said the woman was forced into a back room by the man, who then made off with cash, cigarettes and a cellphone.
The offender was believed to have fled on foot, carrying a cardboard box, but it was not known in which direction he made off along North Rd, Det Sgt Roberts said.
Initial reports also suggested the man was armed with a knife, but police were yet to confirm that, Det Sgt Roberts said.
The woman was not injured but was ''understandably shaken'', he said.
Armed police were among officers to respond to the incident, and police later went door-to-door, talking to neighbours. Two police dog-handling teams were also called in to search a bush-clad area opposite the store, without success.
The offender was described as male, of medium build and unknown ethnicity, wearing dark clothing, a green top and green gardening gloves.
His head, including his face, was covered by what police believed may have been a beanie and another item of clothing, Det Sgt Roberts said.
The latest incident came after Dunedin dairies were targeted by offenders searching for synthetic cannabis products earlier this year.
However, Det Sgt Roberts said the latest incident was not believed to be part of a trend, and pointed out the store did not sell legal-high products.
He was heartened by the public response to the incident. Passers-by who knew the staff member involved stopped to check on her welfare.
• Anyone with any information about the incident was asked to contact Dunedin police on 471-4800. Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers service on 0800-555-111.
