Dunedin police are keeping an open mind over whether two robberies within an hour yesterday afternoon were linked.
In the first robbery a man, who said he had a gun, got away with a significant amount of jewellery from Sue Todd Antiques in Stuart St about 3.45pm.
In the second an armed man robbed Elgin Food Market in Elgin Rd an hour later and got away cash and cigarettes.
Police said today the offender in both robberies was described as a man of medium to solid build.
Police were keeping an open mind, but it was "too early'' to say whether the two robberies were linked.
Sue Todd said the "brazen'' robbery left her shaken and wondering what had become of Dunedin.
"I don't even like to think of Dunedin becoming like that.''
A significant amount of jewellery was stolen in the central city robbery. The assailant seemed to know what he was doing and acted like an experienced criminal, she said.
"It was a brazen and also very confident robbery.''
The man, who appeared to be about 40 years old and a European New Zealander, was tall - about 188cm - walked with confidence and spoke clearly.
"When he got to the counter he said `Where's your gold and silver jewellery?'," Mrs Todd said.
"And I kind of showed him where, but didn't really look at him and then he said `I want your gold and silver jewellery'.''
When she looked up she noticed he had covered his face in orange and yellow plastic to mask his identity.
"It was quite strange.''
The man said he had a gun, but Mrs Todd did not see it.
"I didn't look at him very much because to keep my equilibrium I felt I just needed to focus on what he was wanting.''
After leaving the store, he walked briskly towards Moray Pl.
She said the robbery left her shaken and she was already feeling vulnerable after McAuliffe Jewellers in King Edward St was robbed at gunpoint earlier this month.
"I'm starting to think how am I going to feel going in tomorrow,'' she said.
"All I hope is that they bloody catch him, because we don't need this ... going on.''
In the second incident, the offender was disturbed by a member of the public who entered the Kenmure store and saw the robbery taking place.
The person reported the incident to police.
The suspect is believed to have walked towards Forbes St following the incident.
A police spokeswoman said today a weapon was used, but did not say what type of weapon it was.
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
