''Shaken but OK''.
That is how a Gore woman was feeling after an attempted armed robbery in Gore.
Mataura Licensing Trust general manager Mark Paterson said the woman, who was working at Traffers Bar on Hokonui Dr, was ''doing well''.
Police are investigating after a man entered the bar with a knife on Sunday night.
Mr Paterson said the bar manager was about to lock up and had called for last orders when a masked man wearing a bandanna and black hoodie entered and asked for all the money.
''She just said, 'take what you want'.''
However, no money could be taken as the till had jammed shut.
After that, the three bar patrons who were at the scene told her to let him out, and the victim was pushed as she did so.
Mr Paterson said while no money had been taken, the victim's work cellphone was stolen, along with a key for the till.
He said after hearing of recent similar incidents in the area they had made sure staff were up to date on security policies.
''In 33 years I've never had an armed hold-up.''
Detective Sergeant Scott MacKenzie said the offender entered the premises armed with a knife about 8.45pm, and fled on to Trafford St, possibly across a field at the end of the
street.
-Gore police (03)203-9300; Crimestoppers 0800555111.
