Five people have been arrested following an attempted robbery and fleeing driver incident in Hamilton.

About 9.30am yesterday, a group of people entered a dairy on Knighton Road in Hillcrest armed with screwdrivers and poles.

They fled when the dairy owner activated a fog cannon.

Later that day, the same group approached another dairy - in Aberdeen Drive, Dinsdale - in a similar manner, says a police spokesperson.

"Police were called and attending officers located a vehicle with the alleged offenders inside.

"When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated but quickly abandoned due to the manner of driving."

Police located the vehicle a short time later, but the occupants had fled on foot.

Five people — four youths and one adult (aged 17) — were located following a search by officers, the dog section and Eagle helicopter.

"The youths have been referred to Youth Aid, while the 17-year-old is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today, charged with assault with intent to rob and unlawfully getting into a vehicle.

"Police are still making enquiries to locate a sixth person, seen wearing a dark green long sleeve top, as pictured."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Constable Ben Boserio at BBCO09@police.govt.nz or by calling Hamilton Police on (07) 858 6200, quoting file 190114/4567.