A Whangārei petrol station worker was assaulted and threatened by a group of people during an overnight robbery.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said two stolen cars pulled up to the forecourt of Kensington Z on Kamo Rd just after midnight.

A group of people then got out and headed toward the petrol station.

Pilmer said the store was closed but a staff member was operating the night pay window.

He said the group smashed a glass door to get inside the store.

“Once inside, the staff member was subjected to threats and was assaulted by some of the offenders.”

Pilmer said items were taken from the store before the group returned to the cars and fled the scene.

He did not say what the stolen items were.

Despite the attack, the station was open on Wednesday morning through pay-at-pump.

The crime scene appeared mostly untouched.

Glass could be seen on the floor at the store entrance, alongside abandoned items, including a lighter and chocolate bars.

Security was outside the station and a cordon was in place.

A Z Energy spokesperson said the company was aware of the robbery.

“Our priority is focused on supporting the site member who was present during the incident.”

Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw the stolen cars – a white Toyota Aqua with the registration NPL312 and a silver Nissan Bluebird with the registration LUD872.

Anyone with information can contact police on 105, quoting reference number 250122/5471, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers – 0800 555 111.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.