Footage gives attack-trio clues

Hamilton police are still on the hunt for three men who attacked a service station attendant after forcing their way into the shop early on Tuesday.

Caltex Avalon Dr owner Gary Smith said although no weapons were used the attendant had received a "roughing-up" and was taking a few days off work.

"He's okay, but his confidence has taken a battering," Mr Smith said.

The man was alone about 2am when he let a man into the locked shop to use the ATM.

However, two other men forced their way in through the doors as they were closing. A fourth man could not get through in time.

The trio began punching and kicking the attendant and grabbed some cigarettes, cigars, tobacco and cash and ran off.

Police have reviewed closed circuit surveillance footage to identify the men, but would not release that footage to the Waikato Times.

Mr Smith said the employee had worked at the petrol station for about three or four months.

Mr Smith suspected the attack would affect the man's ability to work the night shift from now on. "[This attack] is not fair on the staff at all.

"They are there to provide a service for the public, but there's a section of the community who take advantage of that."

Short of closing the store at night, there was not a lot of other precautions he could take to protect his staff.

The service station already had a locked-door policy.

"Determined people will find a way around most situations," Mr Smith said.

- © Fairfax NZ News