Ram-raiders steal ATM

Ram-raid burglary at Gull Paengaroa has caused significant damage and losses. Photo/John Borren.

Tauranga Police are hunting two masked thieves who carried out a ram-raid at a Paengaroa gas station and made of with an ATM containing an undisclosed amount of cash.

The cash machine was at Gull service station.

Katrina Green, one of the owners for Gull Paengaroa, said the ram-raid, which happened about 1.30am yesterday, resulted in significant damage.

Ms Green said CCTV security footage showed the driver and passenger in the stolen black Subaru Forrester make two to three attempts to ram their way inside the station.

"After initially gaining entry, the masked passenger ran inside and kicked and banged at the ATM which had been bolted to the floor, before the bigger driver also came inside and the pair carried the ATM to the stolen vehicle, then drove away," she said.

Ms Green would not say how much cash was in the ATM but she said the raid had resulted in major damage and "significant losses".

"I'm really annoyed. I just can't believe how brazen these offenders have been," she said.

Both offenders wore balaclavas, Ms Green said.

Te Puke Detective Sergeant Trevor Brown said the Subaru Forester used in the ram-raid was stolen from Rotorua Hospital carpark about 9.45pm on Sunday.

Mr Brown said because of the colour and make of the stolen car it was clear the offenders targeted the vehicle to carry out the raid.

After ramming through a vertical metal barrier pole which had been placed across the entrance to the station, the driver reversed the stolen vehicle a couple of times to break in to the station and the pair stole the ATM located towards the rear of the building, he said.

Mr Brown said the stolen car, which was found abandoned at the intersection of Pyes Pa Rd and Te Matai Rd yesterday morning, was still being examined.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who knows anything about this significant theft, as well as anyone who may have seen another vehicle with the stolen Subaru Forrester at the second location about 4.40am yesterday," he said.

Anyone with information should call Te Puke police station on 573 0500 or phone the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800-555-111.