Knives and hammers used in brazen daytime liquor store robbery in Whangārei

Police made the arrests after tracking from an abandoned stolen car to a Te Kamo address. Photo / NZME

A group who brazenly ran into a Whangārei liquor store, allegedly armed with weapons, to steal cash and alcohol have been arrested.

Police were called about 1.40pm on Sunday after a group of people entered the store on Kamo Rd in Te Kamo, allegedly armed with hammers and knives.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, from Whangārei CIB, said cash, alcohol and cigarettes were targeted by the group.

No injuries were reported.

“The offenders fled in a stolen car prior to police arrival, which was abandoned shortly after.”

A police dog was used to track from the stolen car to a nearby Te Kamo address, where police later executed a search warrant.

“Three people were taken into custody at the address and officers took a fourth person into custody later in the evening following information from the public,” Pilmer said.

Police had a heavy presence in the area on Sunday.

Pilmer said police will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will continue to take enforcement action to keep the community safe.

“It is good to be able to recover the stolen items and make these arrests.

“Let this be a reminder that police will continue to hold to account those offenders choosing to behave like this.”

Four youths, aged 15 to 17, have been arrested in relation to the aggravated robbery. Police are following positive lines of inquiry to locate a fifth person believed to be involved.

‘This affects hard-working people’

Meanwhile, police have also arrested two after an alleged ram raid at Kamo Club in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The premises on Meldrum St in Te Kamo was hit by a car, with five people then entering the building to steal alcohol.

The offenders left the scene in the car, which was found abandoned nearby a short time later.

After following lines of inquiry, police arrested a 16- and 17-year-old on Monday and are following positive lines of inquiry to locate the other offenders involved.

Kamo Club manager Frances Clark said the incident left a large mess for workers to clean up and had left workers feeling unsettled.

“I don’t think that people realise the affect that it has long-term ... These people are affecting hard-wroking people who just want to come to work and earn their money.”

While the club has arranged extra security, it has been able to open normal hours.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.