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Three arrested after another night of ram raids, burglaries across Auckland

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Tue, 3 May 2022, 8:40AM

Three arrested after another night of ram raids, burglaries across Auckland

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Tue, 3 May 2022, 8:40AM

Three people have been arrested following a crime spree across Auckland last night of ram raids, burglaries and attempted heists across the city.

The night of chaos kicked off in West Auckland with two ram raids before midnight.

The first of the raids targeted the Harvey Norman store in Massey's Westgate shopping complex, where a vehicle was used to ram the store front, then left at the scene as the alleged offenders fled in two other vehicles.

Police are still looking into what may have been stolen.

Several front shop windows were smashed and it is understood several electronic items were also taken in the smash and grab incident.

The Huffer store in Ponsonby was targeted overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The Huffer store in Ponsonby was targeted overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A photographer told the Herald police officers could be seen standing guard and scanning the area. The incident happened about 11.30pm.

These vehicles were then used to ram the front of a Titirangi liquor store, where the alleged offenders stole alcohol.

A witness said broken alcohol bottles were strewn across the car park.

Broken glass litters the Huffer store on Ponsonby Rd. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Broken glass litters the Huffer store on Ponsonby Rd. Photo / Hayden Woodward

One of the cars was found in Glen Eden, and police dogs tracked a scent to a nearby property where police arrested two people on unrelated matters.

As inquiries continued into the early morning two other men aged 18 and 19 were arrested over the raids.

They will appear in the Waitākere District Court later today, and police can't rule out further arrests.

Further south, in Counties Manukau, police are investigating a thwarted burglary attempt at a phone retailer in Takanini.

At 12.40am offenders smashed a window to gain entry to the store.
However, the store had a fog cannon installed which meant their attempts were futile and they were forced to leave empty-handed.

Despite no theft occurring, police are looking into the incident and ask anyone with information to contact them on 105.

The Huffer clothing store on Ponsonby Rd was also among the heist hit-list overnight.

It is understood the shop's entrance was smashed in about 2.30am and a number of clothing items were taken.

The damage done to the Harvey Norman in Westgate. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The damage done to the Harvey Norman in Westgate. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The Titirangi Village Wine & Spirits liquor store was one of a number of stores targeted overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The Titirangi Village Wine & Spirits liquor store was one of a number of stores targeted overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Images show the front doors shattered as a large padlock hangs from the handle. Glass litters the front of the store as well as inside.
The vehicle the offenders were seen in, left the area and was later located by police nearby in Newton.

Police remind anyone who knowingly or recklessly buys or receives stolen items that they are committing an offence and could be liable for prosecution.

Also in Auckland City, police arrested a 28-year-old man on outstanding burglary matters after a burglary was reported at a home on Olsen Ave in Hillsborough.

When police turned up at the address, a car leaving it failed to stop - police did not pursue the vehicle but it crashed near Mt Roskill and the man was tracked by a police dog to a Mt Albert address where he was arrested.

Inquiries continue into the burglary.

Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the three arrests are a sign of the police's commitment.

"These results reflect the commitment of our staff from across multiple workgroups on night shift, including our front line staff, dog handlers and investigations staff."

The incidents follow a spate of ram raid and smash-and-grab type heists in and around the country, particularly in Auckland, over the past few months.

A number of incidents have involved children or young teenagers.

Police in South Auckland continue to look for at least four people connected to ram raids reported in the area last month.

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