The woman walked into the Halfway Bush Convenience Store about 7.30am and pointed what was thought to be a gun at its owner, telling him: "I don't want to hurt you''.
He fled into the adjoining flat, locked the door and called for his family to phone the police.
He said he was preoccupied by his phone when the woman, whose face was covered by a scarf, walked in with the handgun. "I don't know if it was a real one or not,'' he said.
The store was cordoned off while police carried out inquiries and a scene examination.
Police tonight released a photo and a description of the offender: a 20 to 30-year-old female with an olive complexion, solid build, and around 155cm tall. She was wearing a red scarf covering part of her face, tracksuit pants and black and white gym shoes.
They are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious at the time to contact them.
“Police are committed to keeping our communities safe. It is unacceptable for anyone who is going about their day-to-day life to feel unsafe whether that be at home, on the roads or at their place of work, said Sergeant Phill Hamlin, Dunedin Tactical Crime Unit.
“I encourage anybody with information that can assist Police to call us. Even if it may not seem like much, often a small piece of information is the crucial link that allows us to apprehended these offenders and hold them to account for their actions.”
Police can be contacted on 03 471 4800 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
