A young woman is shaken after three armed men forced her to the ground before stealing her car in central Taupo.
Police say the men threatened the 22-year-old woman with two pistols and a crowbar when the woman confronted the group as they tried to break into the Paetiki Shopping Centre on Rifle Range Road this morning.
The woman had arrived at the shopping centre to start her shift at a nearby shop.
The men forced the woman to the ground before stealing her car.
Detective Sergeant Tony Mananui says the car was found on Terence St, 500 metres from the mall, about 30 minutes after the incident.
"The victim, although not hurt, was shaken by this ordeal and she is recovering at home," he says.
Police are seeking witnesses or anyone who can help with inquiries.
NZN