Thanks to assistance from members of the public, police have arrested two people for the aggravated robbery of a Taupo superette.

Around 3.30pm on Sunday, two young people entered the Hilltop Food Market, assaulted a staff member and then stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot.

Several members of the public observed these young people and were able to assist in directing police staff who quickly apprehended these two young people as they attempted to flee through nearby properties in the Henry Hill Road area.

"The two people involved will appear in Youth Court at a later date facing charges of aggravated robbery," says a police spokesperson.

"Local residents should feel reassured that this was an isolated incident."

Police are supporting and working with the owners of the superette who are uninjured but were understandably upset by this incident.

"Police have recovered some of the cigarettes taken but are asking local residents to contact them if they witnessed any of these events or find any items that may have been dropped or dumped in their properties.

"In particular, Police would like to speak to a woman who shopped at the superette shortly before the incident and saw the two youths."

Any members of the public who have further information are encouraged to call the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) at the Taupo Police station on (07) 378 6060 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.