Police from Wellington and Lower Hutt are investigating thefts from three separate Kathmandu stores in the last two days.

Detective Sergeant George Campbell of the Hutt Valley CIB says at about 2.20pm on Wednesday a man grabbed a rack of puffer style jackets from the Kathmandu store on Jackson Street, Petone, and attempted to run off.

"The offender was tackled by the manager at the doorway of the store and the jackets were knocked out of his hands. He then ran off with the manager in pursuit. The offender has turned around and pulled a gun out of his pocket and threatened to shoot the manager.

"The offender has then jumped into a dark coloured sedan, which was parked in the store car park, and sped off. There were two men waiting in the car."

Detective Sergeant Campbell says police believed these same men had stolen about 10 puffer jackets from both the Willis Street store yesterday and had tried to take jackets from the Lyall Bay store earlier today but were unsuccessful.

"Thankfully no-one has been harmed in these events, but threatening a person is a very serious situation and traumatic for those involved."

The offenders are described as a male Maori in their 20s.

The offender who has entered the store was wearing a light coloured hoodie or sweatshirt and jeans.

"We hope someone will recognise these offenders and contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with any information should phone Hutt Valley Police on (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: New Zealand Police.