UPDATED 2.30pm: Police have arrested a woman following a shoplifting incident in Tauranga.

A 24-year-old is facing charges of theft and possession of an offensive weapon.

A police spokesperson says the woman was allegedly in possession of a knife when she was apprehended by police around midday.

She will appear in the Tauranga District Court this afternoon.

EARLIER:

An alleged armed robbery has taken place at a Tauranga store.

Shortly before midday today Police received a report of a theft at Strandbags on Devonport Road, Tauranga.

A community patrol volunteer quickly alerted police to the incident in which three people entered the shop and took off with some goods.

Police have since identified the suspects and are now working to locate them.

Police are working with the shop staff member involved in the incident.

A person who was at the scene told SunLive 'weapons were involved”, although police say they are still working to establish details at this time.

The shop was closed for a short time due to the incident, but is now open again.