A man is recovering at home after a violent robbery at a south Auckland dairy on Tuesday night.
Four masked offenders entered a Superette on Raglan Street, Mangere, at 7:30pm, and hit the victim on the back of the head before holding a knife to his throat.
The offenders then held the man on the ground and stole cigarettes before fleeing on foot.
Police dogs were brought in, and it's believed the thieves escaped through a park onto Haddon St.
The victim suffered facial and head injuries, and bruising to his body.
It's the latest in a string of violent dairy robberies, with 68 people in Auckland alone arrested for aggravated robberies since February.
Dairies across the country fear they'll have to pull tobacco and cigarettes from their shelves to prevent thefts, if police can't offer them better security.
Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander says last night's offenders are likely to be dangerous.
"This is absolutely disgusting behaviour and these individuals should be ashamed of themselves.
"There is a high chance that these offenders are easily identifiable to family and friends and we are asking them to do the right thing and notify police.
"These offenders need to be held accountable."
Detectives have today carried out a scene examination and have reviewed CCTV footage.
Newshub.
