The trio targetted the dairy on Massey St, Frankton.

Robbers knocked on the door of a Hamilton woman's home asking for a ride to escape their crime.

But the move didn't get them far. Police officers responded and nabbed two thirds of the trio on Saturday night.

Around 6pm they entered the Massey Foodmarket, otherwise known as Dee Jay dairy, in Frankton armed with a hammer, Waikato police Senior Sergeant Simon Cherry said.

They stole cash and cigarettes and in the process struck the store worker in the head with the weapon, he said.

The trio fled the store and about five minutes down the road, knocked on someone's door.

Cherry said the culprits were trying to wrangle a lift to another part of Hamilton.

"They were still wearing their masks. We managed to stop them and arrested two of the three."

One of the offenders was still outstanding, and police were making inquiries to locate them, he said.

Anyone who has information can call Hamilton police on 07 858 6200. Information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.