The failed robbery attempt of the Brookfield Superette featured on Police Ten-7 last night as police continue to try and find the person responsible.

The would-be thief was given his marching orders after he tried and failed to rob the superette on Jude Place on Saturday, July 9.

CCTV footage of the suspect wanted for the failed robbery attempt of the Brookfield Superette on the night on July 9.

At about 7:15pm, a man entered the store and demanded money, says Detective Kevin Shields when he appeared on the national crime show last night.

'He was armed with what the victim believed to be a toy gun. The victim told the man that it was not a real gun and he has left the store emptyhanded.”

In an earlier statement to SunLive, Kevin says the man was wearing a distinctive jacket/hoody when he attempted to rob the superette.

He was also wearing a white cap with black markings and a bandana covering his face. He was carrying a black Puma backpack and what is believed to be a toy gun.

'The offender pointed an imitation pistol at the shop owner, chucked his backpack on the floor next to her and demanded cash.

'The shop owner said to him ‘that's not a real gun, that's a toy gun. Get out, I'm calling the police' and then picked up the bag and chucked it back at him.”

The attempted robbery took place at a superette on the corner of Jude Place and Millers Road.

The man then ran out of the superette empty handed.

While he commends the shop owner's courage, Kevin is also mindful that the situation could have had a different, horrible outcome.

'She was pretty certain that it was an imitation pistol, but people and shop owners should never assume that it's not a real gun.”

The offender is described as a male Caucasian, about 16-19-years-old. He is of thin build, about 173cm tall and has either blue or green eyes.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.