Another night of ram raids, including heist at high end Ponsonby store

More ram raids and other burglaries have been reported around Auckland overnight. Video / Supplied

Three people have been arrested after a series of crimes across Auckland last night including ram raids, burglaries and attempted heists.

The Huffer clothing store in Ponsonby Rd was among the heist hit-list overnight, with up to $20,000 of luxury apparel stolen.

DO YOU KNOW MORE? EMAIL US

It is understood the shop's entrance was smashed in at about 2.30am and a number of clothing items were taken.

Kate Berry, the director of Huffer, told the Herald it was the fourth break-in at Huffer this year.

"Around $15,000 to $20,000 [was stolen] - and that's every time this happens."

She says the break-ins are the result of a fractured society and change needs to be made.

"Fundamentally we need to put more energy into youth – parents need to take more responsibility and accountability for where their children are. They need to parent, and parent responsibly and schools need the power to help children and teenagers that need help."

Berry did not know if the break-in was adults or teens, but says if she could speak to those involved she would ask if they would like her to do the same to them.

"If they were teenagers, I would say 'I think you can do better with your life'."

Berry also praised the police's efforts, saying they attended the call-out within minutes – beating Huffer's own security guard to the scene.

The Huffer store in Ponsonby was targeted overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Images show the front doors shattered as a large padlock hangs from the handle. Glass litters the front of the store as well as inside.

The vehicle the offenders were seen in left the area and was later located by police nearby in Newton.

Police remind anyone who knowingly or recklessly buys or receives stolen items that they are committing an offence and could be liable for prosecution.

The night of chaos kicked off in West Auckland with two ram-raids before midnight.

The first of the raids targeted the Harvey Norman store in Massey's Westgate shopping complex, where a vehicle was used to ram the store front, then left at the scene as the alleged offenders fled in two other vehicles.

Police are still looking into what may have been stolen.

Several front shop windows were smashed and it is understood several electronic items were also taken in the smash-and-grab incident.

The damage done to the Harvey Norman in Westgate. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A photographer told the Herald police officers could be seen standing guard and scanning the area. The incident happened about 11.30pm.

These vehicles were then used to ram the front of a Titirangi liquor store, where the alleged offenders stole alcohol.

A witness said broken alcohol bottles were strewn across the carpark.

The Titirangi Village Wine & Spirits liquor store was one of a number of stores targeted overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

One of the cars was found in Glen Eden, and police dogs tracked a scent to a nearby property where police arrested two people on unrelated matters.

As inquiries continued into the early morning two other men aged 18 and 19 were arrested over the raids.

They will appear in the Waitākere District Court later today, and police can't rule out further arrests.

Further south, in Counties Manukau, police are investigating a thwarted burglary attempt at a phone retailer in Takanini.

At 12.40am offenders smashed a window to gain entry to the store.
However, the store had a fog cannon installed which meant their attempts were futile and they were forced to leave empty-handed.

Despite no theft occurring, police are looking into the incident and ask anyone with information to contact them on 105.

Read More

• Youth ram raid crime spree: Bay of Plenty Ōmokoroa ...
• Police recover stolen property after youths in overnight ...
• Watch: New video of Ormiston ram-raid robbery- filmed ...
• Security company calls for change in the approach to ...
• 'Tragedy waiting to happen': Police on spate of ram ...
• Ram-raid and burglaries force Auckland liquor store ...

Also in Auckland City, police arrested a 28-year-old man on outstanding burglary matters after a burglary was reported at a home on Olsen Ave in Hillsborough.

When police turned up at the address, a car leaving it failed to stop - police did not pursue the vehicle but it crashed near Mt Roskill and the man was tracked by a police dog to a Mt Albert address where he was arrested.

Inquiries continue into the burglary.

Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the three arrests are a sign of the police's commitment.

"These results reflect the commitment of our staff from across multiple workgroups on night shift, including our frontline staff, dog handlers and investigations staff."

The incidents follow a spate of ram-raid and smash-and-grab type heists in and around the country, particularly in Auckland, over the past few months.

A number of incidents have involved children or young teenagers.

Police in South Auckland continue to look for at least four people connected to ram raids reported in the area last month.