Appeal for information in Tauranga aggravated robbery

Please attribute the following statement to Detective Sergeant Craig Rawlinson of Tauranga CIB:

Police would like to identify the two men pictured in relation to an armed robbery at Cheers Tavern, Bayfair, Tauranga early on Tuesday morning.

Shortly after closing, around 1am, two males forced their way into the bar by breaking through a front window.

The sole worker in the bar at the time was forced at gunpoint across the tavern and onto the floor beside the bar where she was bound with her hands behind her back.

The offenders then took a sum of cash before running from the bar, leaving the worker still bound on the floor.

They ran across a disused industrial area, crossed State Highway 29A, and headed in the direction of Truman Lane, beside Baypark Stadium.

“This was a terrifying encounter for the victim, being led with a firearm against the back of her head and bound with her hands behind her back”, says Detective Sergeant Craig Rawlinson of Tauranga CIB.

Both the males in the CCTV images provided were disguised during the robberies with balaclavas over their faces.

The first male is of medium build and wore dark jeans and a black hooded top.

The second male is taller than the first, of a heavy build and was wearing dark pants and a blue t-shirt over a grey hooded top.

Police ask that anyone who may be able to identify these men, or saw anything suspicious in the area at that time, contact Tauranga Police immediately on 07 577 4300.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If seen, these two men should not be approached.

ENDS

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