Arrest in aggravated robbery of Palmerston North dairy

A 23-year-old man will appear in Palmerston District Court tomorrow for allegedly taking cigarettes and cash from Trenton Minimart during an aggravated robbery on June 13. Photo / Google

A 23-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested and charged in relation to an aggravated robbery at a dairy last month.

The man will appear in Palmerston District Court tomorrow for allegedly taking cigarettes and cash from Trenton Minimart during a robbery on June 13.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan, Manawatu area police investigations manager, said aggravated robbery was a serious crime which could traumatise victims.

"Nationwide police are focusing on aggravated robberies with a three-pronged approach.

"As well as focusing on catching offenders, we are working to prevent crime happening in the first place, and to understand the drivers of the rise in this crime type."

The local prevention team had offered crime prevention advice to several retailers in the area, he said.

Meanwhile, a 46-year-old Bulls man is facing a charge of manufacturing methamphetamine after police conducted a planned search at an address yesterday.

They seized equipment allegedly used to make the illicit drug and sent it for forensic testing.

Sheridan said the usage of methamphetamine, commonly known as P, was often linked to shoplifting and burglaries, where small and easily transferable commodities were targeted

"Methamphetamine is a very harmful and highly addictive drug, and it is a concern for police why members of our community would even consider experimenting with or continue to use it when they know the serious consequences it can have - not only on them, but their family and wider community.

"Because of the addictive nature of meth, some users do resort to crime in order to fund their habit."

He said the criminal behaviour of both alleged offenders had harmed the community.

"The safety of the people in our community is of primary importance to police, and we are committed to doing everything we can to hold offenders to account."

Anyone with concerns about someone using or abusing drugs should contact the Drug Alcohol Helpline on 0800 787 797 or alcoholdrughelp.org.nz, Sheridan said.

He urged anyone with information about the manufacture and supply of illicit drugs or any other crime to report it by anonymously contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.