Thieves smash through Tauranga store in daring ram raid

Watches, sunglasses and clothing are among items stolen in Tauranga's latest ram raid.

A car was used to smash through the front of North Beach streetwear store in Fraser Cove Shopping Centre in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The ram raid comes after a string of high-end clothing thefts. At least 19 were reported to Western Bay police between January and June where property valued at more than $1000 was taken.

Police were called to the Fraser Cove ram raid shortly after 2am yesterday.

"Two offenders had used a Subaru Forrester to gain entry to a store, taking a large amount of merchandise," a police statement said.

One of the offenders fled the scene in the Subaru Forrester, while the other left in a grey Mazda.

A North Beach spokeswoman said the offenders came in and smashed into cabinets to make off with the goods.

She said staff were on high alert "with ramped up security measures and a close working relationship with police to prevent future raids".

"We don't really let this get to us. We're just focused on getting back up and running for our loyal customers - spirits are still high."

A 32-year-old man was arrested yesterday. He faces charges of dangerous driving, burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their inquiries into the incident can phone Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.