Two men, one armed with a gun, the other with a screwdriver, robbed a Taupo restaurant last night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce said three staff were accosted at the back of the Mole and Chicken Restaurant on Taharepa Road by the two men.
Mr Pearce said staff were threatened with the firearm, believed to be a shotgun, and directed back inside the restaurant, where they were made to lie on the ground, while one of the offenders stole money from cash registers and personal items belonging to one staff member.
The pair escaped in a staff member's vehicle, a red 1993 Commodore utility.
No-one was hurt or injured during the robbery; however, Mr Pearce said all staff were extremely shaken and had been referred to Taupo Victim Support Services.
The men are described as Maori or Pacific Islander, about 170cm tall and of solid to fat build.
One offender wore a dark scarf on his face and the other a light or possibly white scarf. Both were wearing black hooded sweatshirts black pants, gloves and shoes.
Mr Pearce said detectives would today carry out a full scene examination, as well as interviewing the victims and neighbours.
"We are seeking help from the public to identify anyone who may fit the general description of the offenders or who knows who is responsible. People are also asked to keep an eye out for the stolen vehicle, but are warned not to approach it or the occupants, as the offenders are considered dangerous and could still be armed,'' he said.
