Hunt on for Kawerau mall ram-raiders

The aftermath of an unsuccessful ram-raid attempt at Tarawera Mall. Photo / Supplied

Kawerau police are looking for a vehicle they believe was involved in two ram-raids during the early hours of yesterday.

Sergeant Al Fenwick said an Isuzu Wizard had been stolen from a Kawerau address earlier in the week.

Just before 2am yesterday, police said the vehicle was used to ram the doors of Edgecumbe's Z petrol station.

The raiders used a chain on the back of the Isuzu to try to pull a cash machine from the wall.

When that attempt failed, they travelled to Kawerau and tried the same tactics at Tarawera Mall about 2.40am.

Again the thieves were unsuccessful, but in both cases they caused considerable damage to the buildings.

"Both times the offenders have used a chain attached to the vehicle to try to remove an ATM machine," Mr Fenwick said.

"But unfortunately a significant amount of damage has been done to both sites."

At least two males were in the vehicle, which was a 1996 Isuzu Wizard with a registration number JCJ5.

The vehicle was described as silver/gold metallic in colour and it would now have some rear-end damage, including a broken tail-light, police said.

They want to hear from anyone who knows the location of the vehicle, or who has been in possession of the vehicle.

Information is also sought by the police in relation to the attempted cash-machine thefts and the people involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kawerau police on (07) 323 1400.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.