Porirua Police is appealing for public help after a female bar manager was robbed at gunpoint in the city late last night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam, Porirua CIB, says the robbery at Chicago Bar in Lydney Place, Porirua, happened about 11.05pm when the 19-year-old duty manager was closing up for the night.
"Her attention was drawn to a man wearing a black balaclava who approached her from the toilets," Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam says.
"The man presented was appears to have been a rifle to her and demanded money from the safe."
Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam says the duty manager was forced to open the safe and the robber left with a large amount of cash.
Police including the Wellington Armed Offenders Squad have executed three search warrants at addresses in the area since early this morning. Their inquiries are continuing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam says the bar manager was left very shaken but unhurt from her ordeal.
He says police are very keen to speak with everyone who visited the Chicago bar during trading last night.
"They may have noticed something which will help us find who was responsible for this robbery," Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam says.
Porirua Police can be contacted on telephone: 238 1400.
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