Two people threatened a Chapel St BP employee with a firearm during a robbery on Wednesday night. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
A shaken-up Masterton BP service station worker was robbed at gunpoint on Wednesday night after two robbers burst into the store demanding cash and cigarettes.
Wairarapa Police Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said two people entered the Chapel St store shortly after 9pm on Wednesday dressed in dark clothing and with their faces partially covered.
The pair, who were described as being male, Maori and from 20 to 25 years old, threatened the lone employee with a firearm and demanded money and cigarettes.
They then left the BP and headed toward Renall St, and then possibly west toward Pownall St junction.
Bysouth said police were now appealing to the public for information following the robbery.
He said the firearm they presented during the robbery was a distinctive rifle and someone may recognise it.
“I’m surprised to see a weapon of this type being used in a situation like this,” he said.
“We haven’t had a robbery of this nature for some time now, so we’re looking to hear from anyone who may be able to help identify the offenders.”
Bysouth said the pair managed to get away with a “large” amount of cigarettes and expected to see many being sold at a low-cost price “on the street”.
“A large quantity of cigarettes was stolen so I would anticipate that there would be a market for cheap cigarettes in the area,” he said.
“So I am very keen to hear from anyone regarding any cheap tobacco movement in the area.”
Bysouth said the employee, along with the petrol station owner, who wasn’t present at the time of the incident, were clearly “shaken up” by the whole ordeal.
“We interviewed both the employee and the owner the following day and they were obviously still extremely upset.”
“What these people [offenders] don’t understand is that this may take 30 or 40 seconds to commit a robbery of this nature, but it can have a life-long impact on the victim they’re pointing the gun at, and that’s not fair.
“That is something not really understood by those committing these types of crime.”
Bysouth urged anyone in Pownall St who has CCTV or anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact police.
He said police were also keen to speak to the driver of a car that drove past the pair immediately after the robbery took place.
- Anyone with information that may assist police with their inquiries is urged to call 105 and quote the file number 210805/2963.
