An man armed with a knife robbed a Lower Hutt dairy yesterday, police say.
The incident happened at the Waterloo Dairy on Waterloo Road about 4.45pm.
The sole worker walked from the rear of the shop to discover a man with a scarf covering his face brandishing a large knife, Detective Sergeant Mike Sears of the Wellington District Crime Squad said.
The man allegedly demanded cash before fleeing with a small sum.
"It is very disappointing that these hard working people have been the victim of this crime. The incident could have easily escalated.
"We are thankful no one was injured," Mr Sears said.
Shop owners who found themselves in those situations needed to be careful they did not expose themselves to harm and were encouraged to immediately phone police, he said.
The offender was described as a young Caucasian male in his late teens or early twenties of very skinny build.
He was wearing dark clothing and had a black coloured scarf or similar over his face.
He was last seen running through properties on Waterloo Road through to Pinny Ave.
"The worker is understandably shaken by this ordeal.
"He is being supported by family," Mr Sears said.
"We want to assure the community that we will do everything we can to identify and apprehend this offender."
Police urged anyone with any information to contact them as soon as possible at the Lower Hutt Police station on (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
