Automotive store targeted in ram raid

Branch manager Steve Hancox, pictured, says someone drove through the front door and stole about $10,000 worth of tools from its SP Tools range.

A central city automotive store has been targeted in a destructive ram raid, with thousands of dollars of tools being stolen.

Extreme Automotive on 2nd Ave was targeted by burglars in a ram raid about 2.30am yesterday.

A photo of the damage soon after the ram raid. Photo/Steve Hancox

Branch manager Steve Hancox said someone drove through the front door and stole about $10,000 worth of tools from its SP Tools range.

Mr Hancox said some of the store's branches in Auckland had been targeted in a similar way, with just SP Tools gear stolen.

"They knew what they were coming in to get."

Mr Hancox said the range was a well-promoted brand through V8 Supercars and Holden retailers.

"The SP Tools on a normal tracking day often grow legs and walk out. It's one of those sorts of tools."

The whole door frame to the shop had been badly damaged and needed replacing.

A police media spokesperson said police were notified just before 3am yesterday of a break-in at the shop, which had triggered an alarm around 2.40am.

Scene of crime officers attended the scene and police were working to investigate what happened. This included investigating the possibility of CCTV footage being available.

Police asked anyone with information on what happened, or anyone with information about anyone being in possession of a number of tools, to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300, or information could be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.