Two Napier Big Barrel liquor stores broken into in as many days

Police are asking for help in identifying these youths after the burglary.

Two Big Barrel liquor stores less than 2km apart in Napier have been broken into in as many days.

The Big Barrel liquor store on Carlyle St was broken into about 3.30am on Friday, a day after a sister store was ram-raided at Marewa shopping centre at 2.50am on Thursday.

Police detective Glen Yule said in a statement police were asking for the public’s help to find nine offenders after the incident.

“At 3.31am today, the group of youths broke into the Big Barrel liquor store in Carlyle St by smashing through the front door by hand,” Yule said.

“After causing extensive damage to the store, the group has taken large amounts of alcohol and vape products, before leaving in four vehicles.”

Police at the scene of the latest break-in on Friday morning. Photo / Paul Taylor

Yule said police had concerns for one of the youths, who cut his lower right leg while kicking the front door.

“The amount of blood left at the scene indicates he suffered a serious injury which would present as an obvious limp.”

Police were at the scene on Friday morning investigating.

“This is a huge, unnecessary cost to the business and has been upsetting for the business owner. A scene examination was carried out this morning and we are making extensive inquiries to locate the individuals behind this senseless crime,” Yule said.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have information about this burglary. Please contact Police via 105 and reference the file number 231020/3632.”

A group of youths took off with hundreds of bottles of alcohol during the Thursday morning incident at the Marewa store, which was also ram-raided on September 27.