A masked robber armed with a large knife robbed a dairy in Aranui on Friday morning. The offender broke into Hampshire Dairy & Fruit Supply, located in the Aranui area, and fled with a cash till. The incident occurred early in the morning, before dawn.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspect. Police are investigating the circumstances of the break-in and are seeking public assistance in identifying the individual. No injuries were reported during the incident.

This is the second such robbery in the region this month. A similar incident occurred in the nearby town of Christchurch, where a masked individual also targeted a local business. The police have warned of an increase in such incidents and are urging residents to remain vigilant. The Aranui area is known for its rural setting and small businesses, making it a target for opportunistic crimes. The recent trend highlights a growing concern about security in local communities.