Auckland burglaries: Mt Eden liquor store targeted for the second time in a fortnight, neighbours scared thieves off

Burglars who attempted to break into an Auckland liquor store in the early hours of this morning were thwarted be neighbours and a security gate.

It is the second time in less than a fortnight that the Bottle-O on Duke St in Mt Eden has been targeted, said Linda Hallas who lives nearby.

"This time we interrupted and scared them off ... I don't think they saw us but we made a lot of noise," she said.

"Police understand a security gate behind the window thwarted their efforts, and when the store alarm sounded, they fled empty handed," a police spokesperson said.

Around 3.30am, Hallas said her son was woken up by the sound of smashing glass.

She said there were three or four offenders trying to break into the shop.

"I feel angry because no child should feel scared and unsafe," she said.

"I have to be reassuring them as the danger these robberies creates is harmful, not just to us but the local community."

The Bottle-O shop in Mt Eden has been targeted twice in the past fortnight. Photo / Supplied

She said they saw the group head north along Mt Eden Rd in a small silver car.

Hallas' husband guarded the store while they waited for police and the owner to arrive.

Owner of the store, Jeff Wong, said he is feeling hopeless after being targeted twice by burglars in the past fortnight.

"I feel a little hopeless... the ram raids won't stop, it's crazy," he said.

"This time I didn't lose my stock, which is kind of lucky."

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Police on 105 and to quote the event number P051055501.

This morning's burglary attempt comes after thieves broke into the store on Thursday, June 16.

Wong said the group had used hammers to smash their way in, leaving the front of store and a metal grate damaged.

"[They] stole a lot of liquor and smashed a lot of that while stealing it," said Hallas.