Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police investigations are underway following three aggravated robberies across Auckland City in the past 48 hours.
At around 12.57am, Police were called to a bar on Great North Road, Point Chevalier after multiple offenders, armed with hammers and a firearm, entered the premises.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews, Auckland City CIB says there were a number of staff and patrons inside when the offenders entered.
“One person has fired a shot inside the premises, which has struck a TV on a wall behind the bar.
“The offenders have taken money from the tills and gaming machines before fleeing,” he says.
“It’s incredibly lucky no was physically injured during this incident.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says Police believe the same group of offenders are responsible for an aggravated robbery at a commercial property in Mount Albert on Wednesday night.
He says four masked offenders armed with weapons, including a firearm, entered the building on New North Road just before midnight and stole the contents of the cash register before leaving.
“A staff member inside the premises was uninjured but understandably shaken by the incident. He has been provided with support by Police.
“We believe these two incidents are linked and are following positive lines of enquiry.”
Police are also investigating a separate aggravated robbery at a commercial premises in Mount Albert at around 2.20am this morning.
“Up to seven offenders armed with hammers have entered the building on New North Road, which at the time had a staff member and four customers inside.
“Two offenders have threatened the victims inside the store while the other offenders have taken a number of items before fleeing.
“The victims have been left shaken by the incident, but otherwise uninjured.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says the group of offenders left in a stolen vehicle which Police recovered a short distance away on Holbrook Street, Blockhouse Bay.
The vehicle will now undergone a forensic examination.
“This type of violent behaviour is unacceptable. We are now working hard to identify and locate those involved so we can hold them accountable.
“While we want to remind people never to put themselves in harm’s way, we always encourage witnesses to come forward.”
Anyone who witnessed any of these incidents and who has not yet spoken with us is encouraged to do so.
You can get in touch by calling 105 or if you wish to give information anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
