Police have confirmed an investigation is underway for an alleged armed robbery in Masterton.
Police said the robbery, at a house on Masterton’s Derby St, happened at 8pm on Thursday.
The female victim reported she was accosted by a man as she was leaving her home via the backdoor.
She believed the man was carrying a gun.
However, police said they had not yet been able to confirm the presence of a firearm.
The victim claimed the man – who was wearing a balaclava – demanded money from her and then proceeded to steal additional items from inside her house.
Wairarapa Detective Senior Sergeant Philip Skoglund said it was an unusual incident, and that the case is ongoing.
“It would seem that this person – the offender – was lurking as the victim was leaving the address. So it’s unclear if that’s a coincidence, or if this was targeted.
“These are all things we are trying to identify.”
Skoglund said the police are working with the victim to establish further details of the incident.
The offender was described as six feet tall, of medium build, and wearing a black balaclava.
Skoglund said it is recommended that nearby residents take sensible precautions.
“Certainly, with an incident like this, we would ask all members of the community to be vigilant around safety and keeping houses secure.”
