This 4x4 was used to smash through gates at a Kaitaia business.
This 4x4 was used to smash through gates at a Kaitaia business.
Another two ram raids targeting Northland businesses have been added to the growing list with thousands of dollars worth of property being stolen in the latest hits.
The Stihl Shop in Commerce St, Kaitaia, and Wiltons Marine, on Beach Rd in Mangonui, were raided eight hours apart on Sunday.
Policeinvestigating the latest raids in the Far North have released a photo of a four-wheel-drive vehicle used to smash through the front gates of the Stihl Shop.
Kaitaia police Senior Sergeant Geoff Ryan said the offenders then jimmied a roller door at the back of the business about 3.30pm on Sunday. A Yamaha generator and a Stihl chainsaw were taken.
Mr Ryan appealed to anyone who may have seen the vehicle in Kaitaia to contact police. It was at 11.35pm on the same day that thieves used a stolen white station wagon from Paihia to smash through the front doors of the marine business in Mangonui.
Three outboard motors and some engine testing equipment valued at $20,000 were stolen.
The car was then seen heading south on State Highway 10.
The ram raids come just five days after a stolen car was used in a ram raid of the BP2Go Waipapa service station, where cash and cigarettes were taken. A short time later, the Grow & Brew store in nearby Klinac Lane, Waipapa, had the glass front door smashed with crowbars and items stolen.
The Waipapa raids came only 20 minutes after four thieves smashed their way through the front door of the VIP Superette in Kawakawa and were unsuccessful in attempting to break into a locked drawer containing tobacco products. They made off with chocolates and lollies.
Only days before that thieves smashed into the Kawakawa Four Square and stole $4000 worth of tobacco.
Thieves smashed into Gasoline Alley Ruakaka using a crowbar the week before and, while they failed to get cigarettes, they took petrol vouchers. The Parua Bay Gasoline Alley was hit the previous week and cigarettes were taken.
Contact Kaitaia police on 09 4086511 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
