Auckland crime: Thieves smash their way into at least four shops overnight

Thieves have struck several Auckland businesses overnight, smashing their way into eateries and leaving a trail of damage behind before being arrested by police.

Thieves who hit one restaurant made off with nothing more than drinks and an empty till.

Police were called to the Good Dog Bad Dog eatery in Onehunga shortly before 1.30am after reports of a break-in.

The aftermath of a break-in at the Jamaica Blue cafe near the Auckland Airport. Photo / Hayden Woodward

At least four Auckland shops were hit by thieves overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A worker at the scene told the Herald: "They didn't get much - a few soft drinks and an empty box. Our till is empty."

The staff member said CCTV footage showed those responsible were two people who both looked to be young.

A neighbouring store - the Night 'n Day - remains boarded up after a recent burglary. That particular shop has been targeted multiple times.

About an hour later, around 2.30am, police were called to a shopping complex near Auckland Airport.

The Sushi Club near the Auckland Airport was among shops targeted by thieves overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Two stores - the Sushi Club and Jamaica Blue cafe - were broken into. Thieves allegedly smashed their way through windows.

Five youths have subsequently been arrested over the incidents by police.

"Police observed two vehicles travelling at high speed away from the area of the burglaries," a police spokeperson said.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the incident, however it is understood those arrested are responsible for the earlier burglary," the spokesperson said.

Call to assign more Police to help prevent ram raids

The latest spate of smash-and-grab incidents comes as the National Party calls on the Government to assign more Police to prevent ram raids.

Newstalk ZB revealed that despite Police Minister Chris Hipkins giving police a hurry-up in Auckland, only seven businesses have so far received protection.

And out of $6 million allocated to providing bollards, fog cannons, alarms and other defences, only $172,000 has been spent so far.

National's police spokesman Mark Mitchell said that was not good enough and that the thin blue line is stretched to breaking point; in terms of trying to deal with a tsunami of violent crime and offending.