At approximately 12.20pm on Saturday, 14 July 2012 the Mitchell Downs Tavern, Goldie Street, Rotorua was the subject of an aggravated robbery.
A staff member at the Tavern was threatened by two offenders armed with an iron bar and knife. No one was hurt and the offenders have got away with a quantity of cigarettes, alcohol and cash.
The offenders are both believed to be male.
Police would like to appeal for any sightings of the offenders in the area around the Mitchell Downs Tavern.
Detective John Hope said: "This robbery has taken place in the middle of the day when I am sure there will have been local people out and about in the area. The offenders have run into the area behind the Tavern and could have headed into the Recreation Reserve or back into Goldie Street. I would appeal to the public to come forward with any sightings of suspicious activity or information in relation to this aggravated robbery".
Police in Rotorua are investigating the possibility that this aggravated robbery was committed by the same group of individuals responsible for the previous robberies at the Westbrook Tavern.
Yesterday Police executed a series of search warrants in Rotorua. As a result of this a 21-year-old man from Rotorua is facing two charges of aggravated robbery in relation to the Westbrook Tavern offences and is appearing in the Rotorua District Court on 16 July 2012.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 349 9400. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.