Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:
Three offenders have been arrested and stolen property recovered following an aggravated robbery at a Whakatāne jewellery store on Monday afternoon.
Around 3.40pm, Police were called to a shop on The Strand after three masked offenders entered the premises.
Staff were able to leave through a rear door, and no injuries were sustained.
Responding officers were armed as a precaution; however, the offenders had fled the scene in a stolen vehicle before Police arrived.
Police immediately carried out area enquiries and actively searched for the vehicle.
Police are acknowledging the significant role played by members of the public, whose prompt reporting and information-sharing helped enable a swift and coordinated response.
Immediately following the robbery, information about the alleged offenders’ getaway vehicle, was quickly provided to Whakatāne Police, which proved crucial in directing resources to the fleeing offenders.
The vehicle was subsequently located by Murupara Police on State Highway 38 with additional resources from Rotorua moving into position to support.
A coordinated rapid response saw Police deploy tyre deflation devices and strategically position units ahead of the vehicle where it was successfully spiked before coming to a stop at a busy roundabout.
Officers swiftly contained the scene, resulting in the arrest of three of the four alleged offenders.
Property stolen during the robbery was recovered, along with a number of items of evidential value.
The alleged offenders, aged 16, 18 and 19, are due in Rotorua Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery.
This successful outcome highlights the importance of timely information from the public and the effectiveness of coordinated policing across the Bay of Plenty District.
Police would like to acknowledge the quick thinking of those who provided information immediately after the robbery, as well as the efforts of staff involved throughout the response.
The prompt actions of Whakatāne staff in identifying the vehicle, the vigilance of the Murupara unit that located it, and the tactical support provided by Rotorua units were instrumental in bringing the incident to a safe resolution.
Police continue to make enquiries to locate anyone else involved in this incident and cannot rule out further arrests. If anyone has information on the incident, or those involved, please contact Police.
Information can be provided through 105, either over the phone or online.
Please reference file number 260803/7537.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/04/police-and-community-work-together-to-arrest-three-in-aggravated-robbery/