The Bunnythorpe Mini Market, 10 kilometres north of Palmerston North, has been robbed.

A group armed with bats allegedly threatened a shop attendant at the Bunnythorpe Mini Market before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

Six males have been arrested for the alleged robbery of a Manawatū dairy as a spate of break-ins and thefts continues in the region.

Police were called to the Bunnythorpe Mini Market, 10 kilometres north of Palmerston North, on Monday at about 3.30pm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said the six men entered armed with bats, and threatened the shop attendant.

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The group then fled the dairy in a stolen vehicle, a white Mazda Atenza station wagon, registration number EZL477.

This vehicle was found abandoned by police nearby.

Sheridan said a short time later police stopped a second vehicle in College St, Palmerston North.

Those inside were arrested by police and charged in relation to the robbery.

Six males, aged 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 29, have been jointly charged with aggravated robbery and will be appearing in Palmerston North Youth Court on Tuesday.

Operation Star was launched by police on Monday to crack down on a spate of heists where thieves target small businesses.

Detective Jaz Woollett is the lead investigator in the newly formed team, which she said was dedicated to getting to the bottom of the recent robberies and ensuring business owners were prepared to protect themselves from crime.



The primary target had been Manawatū dairies and service stations – family-owned businesses - which were an important part of the community, he said.

Palmerston North's Herbert Ave Dairy and Limbrick St Maxi Mart were among the businesses robbed in recent months, with the robbers targeting cigarettes and cash.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the Bunnythorpe Mini Market robbery and anyone who had information on any sightings of the white Mazda Atenza station wagon in the 24 hours prior to the robbery.

Anyone with any information can contact the police on 06 351 3880 or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.