Police have released CCTV video of a "very confident" armed robber believed to have held up two stores on Auckland's North Shore.
The first robbery of the Mobil station on Beach Rd happened around 2:30pm on July 15 when the man filled up a red petrol can, pulled down a balaclava over his face and walked into the building.
The footage shows him pointing a pistol at the attendant and asking for money and cigarettes. After taking money, he ran into a cemetery on Deep Creek Rd.
Then around 8:20am on Wednesday, a man fitting the same description went into a dairy on Stredwick Dr in Torbay where he again pointed a pistol and demanded money and cigarettes.
He was chased by one of the shopkeepers into Awaruku Reserve.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nadene Richmond says they want the public to help identify the man.
"Even though his face is covered, his body movement and clothing may be recognised by people who know him," she says.
She praised the Mobil worker for a "fantastic job of staying calm".
"But no one who goes to work to make an honest living should be faced with this type of criminal behaviour."
Police say the man was "very confident" and was acting alone.
Anyone with information should call North Short CIB on (09) 477 5261, anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or on the Waitemata Police Facebook page.
Newshub.
