Two Invercargill dairies were the subject of attempted robberies within an hour last night, and police believe there is a "strong link" between the cases.
The first attempted robbery happened at 10:48pm at the Tay Street Night n Day on the corner of Lindisfarne and Tay Streets, Invercargill.
The second occurred at 11:38pm, at the Dee Street Night n Day on the corner of Dee and Hensley Streets.
In each case a man entered the shops and asked the female attendants for money.
In the case of the Dee Street robbery, a weapon was presented.
On both occasions the would-be robber left empty-handed, and after the Dee Street robbery he ran west down Hensley Street towards the railway lines.
Neither of the shop assistants were injured.
The man in both cases is described as a Caucasian, about 178cm tall and of medium build. He is believed to be in his mid 20s and was wearing dark coloured track pants or similar, a light coloured long sleeved hoodie with a dark coloured T-shirt over the top.
The T-shirt had a logo on the left breast as well as writing or a logo on the back.
Anyone near the Tay Street and Dee Street Night n Day's near the time of the attempted robberies who saw people or vehicles acting suspiciously should contact the Invercargill Police on 03 211 0400.
Information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 500 111.
Police will be visiting local dairies to check on store security.
