Papatoetoe jewellery store owner attacked with hammer and knife in violent armed robbery, police hunting offenders

GRAPHIC WARNING: This story contains distressing content that may be upsetting to some viewers.

Shocking video footage has emerged of at least three armed robbers storming a South Auckland jewellery store and attacking the owner about the head with a hammer as his terrified family watches him fall bloodied to the ground.

As the ordeal unfolds, a customer and three terrified children flee to the back of the store and hide behind the counter while the owner attempts to wrestle the three masked robbers back through the security door.

One of three then swings a hammer and strikes the owner in the head while another slices at him with a knife, knocking him to the ground.

The video shows another staff member coming to the badly injured victim’s defence and challenging the robbers with a large sword as they retreat from the store, grabbing boxes of jewellery as they flee.

Police have cordoned off Pooja Jewellers in Papatoetoe as they investigate a violent aggravated robbery at the store. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The stunned owner then collapses, clutching a bleeding wound on his head as a frantic woman rushes to his aid.

The violent incident happened at Pooja Jewellers on Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe about 5.45pm today.

The offenders fled the scene and police say they are still hunting for those responsible.

The victim was transported to Middlemore Hospital and is receiving medical treatment tonight.

His son was too shaken to talk but told the Herald his father had been transferred to Auckland Hospital and was due to undergo surgery.

‘Crime is out of control and needs to be stopped’

Dairy & Business Owners crime prevention group chairman Sunny Kaushal said he knew the victim closely.

Kaushal understood the armed offenders forced entry into the store as one customer was leaving about 5.45pm.

”They assaulted the shop owner, a family member and a worker. So three people were injured,” he said.

”The shop owner had serious injuries. Apparently, he was attacked with a hammer on his head three times and an attack with a knife on his forehead.

“He was hospitalised and was stitched on the forehead. He is currently waiting for a scan, but is out of danger.”

Kaushal planned to visit the family tomorrow morning.

Police and ambulance outside the Pooja Jewellers in Papatoetoe after an armed robbery on Sunday evening. Photo / Supplied

”This family is a very community-orientated family,” he said.

”They have made such a contribution to the community and to the society.”

He said the family has been in the community for a long time and is well-known and well-respected.

”It is a stark reminder about how serious it is getting in New Zealand, that crime is out of control and needs to be stopped.

”Doing business in New Zealand is getting very hard for shop owners.

“Our retailers and all hardworking Kiwis deserve to work in a safe environment, and it is the Government’s responsibility to make this a reality.”

Police ‘committed to holding offenders to account’

A St John ambulance spokesman told the Herald they responded to an incident in Papatoetoe this evening with one road manager and two ambulances.

“We transported one patient to Middlemore Hospital in serious condition.”

A police spokesperson said the Eagle helicopter responded to the area, however, the offenders left in a vehicle prior to arrival and were not located.

Inspector Keki Wilson said police were working to piece together exactly what occurred.

“We are speaking with a number of witnesses and will conduct a scene examination.

Police and ambulance outside the Pooja Jewellers in Papatoetoe after an armed robbery on Sunday evening. Photo / Supplied

“Violent incidents like these rightly cause concern and police is committed to holding offenders to account.”

Wilson said inquiries remain ongoing to locate the offenders and their vehicle.

If you have any information that may assist in locating those involved please contact Police on 105 and reference event number: P059142364.

The incident comes just hours after the Government announced new measures to crack down on crime, including new designations for hardcore and repeat youth offenders, a pilot military-style boot camp programme and extra police to man CBDs around the country.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Kiwis were sick of rising crime rates and many did not feel safe in their homes.

“Nobody should have to fear walking down Queen St here in Auckland, nobody should have to fear going to work, worrying whether their store is going to be robbed or ram-raided.

“I’m sick of it, Kiwis are sick of it and it’s unacceptable.”