Police are urging service stations to tighten security after a gang of armed robbers raided three Auckland garages six times in the past nine days.
The balaclava-clad robbers have struck the Mobil station in White Swan Rd, Mt Roskill, the Caltex in Manukau Rd, Epsom, and the Mobil in Great North Rd, Pt Chevalier, twice each since September 17.
Detectives suspect they could also be responsible for two other raids on Mobil White Swan Rd since August.
The gang's haul totals about $1500 in cash and $1000 in cigarettes.
Detective Sergeant Kevin Tiernan, of the Newmarket CIB, said that between two and four robbers took part each time, and struck between 2 am and 4 am.
They always use a full-length .22 rifle with a wooden stock, and during their last two raids, on Sunday night, they also used a pistol.
No attendants have been hurt, but police fear the violence will escalate.
Detective Sergeant Tiernan urged service stations to review and upgrade security, and consider a system where doors are locked until the night attendant has identified customers as genuine.
Shell Oil spokesman Antonius Papaspiropoulos said the company always reviewed security after a robbery, and a major upgrade was possible.
"We may have to look at curtailing office hours or putting extra security on."
Robbers thrash petrol stations
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