Auckland burglaries: Five retailers hit in a wave of overnight crime

Five retailers have been targeted by thieves in yet another night of burglaries across Auckland.

First up, a toy store on Wagener Pl in Mt Albert was broken into around 10.42pm yesterday.

Speaking to the Herald, the owner of Toyco said they were alerted to the break-in by a security company, which said a glass-break detector had been activated.

"I quickly looked at the camera and noticed a hole in the front door," they said.

"We called the police, who responded quickly. Unfortunately, the offenders were well gone by the time they got here."

Thieves smashed the front entrance of Toyco in Mt Albert overnight in an attempted burglary. Photo / Hayden Woodward

With the number of burglaries and ram raids plaguing the city, they said they were facing staffing issues.

"From a business owner, I guess it makes it harder for us to staff the shop with people who are a little more afraid of things that are going to happen."

Police ask anyone with information about this burglary to get in contact on 105, quoting job number P051802769.

Later in the night, police were called to Curry Masala Indian Takeaway on Chapel Rd in Flatbush around 12.20am.

Offenders gained access by smashing glass at the entrance. It is unclear what was stolen.

A police spokesperson said a person has been arrested following this break-in.

"Upon arrival, one person was located and taken into custody without incident," they said.

Around 2.36am, police then attended a burglary at a retail store on Golf Rd in Titirangi.

A witness said two vehicles remained parked outside the pharmacy at the time.

A police spokesperson said they are still working to determine what was stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 referencing event number P051803649.

The police helicopter was then seen hovering around Mad Butcher on Stoddard Rd in Mt Roskill after it was broken into around 3am.

A window had been smashed to gain access.

"An offender has broken in and stolen several items before fleeing," a police spokesperson said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 105 referencing file number 220905/8981.

Shortly after 4am, police were called to Michael Hill on King St in Pukekohe after a window had been smashed.

"At this stage, inquiries into the incident are ongoing, which includes establishing what was taken from the premises," said a police spokesperson.

Information on the burglary can given via 105 or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report using the reference file number 220905/9015.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

This is not the first time the store has been a target, and it has been ram raided at least twice.