Thieves have used a stolen excavator to ram-raid a Wainuiomata service station. Video / Chris Bishop
Thieves have used a stolen excavator to ram raid a Wainuiomata service station overnight - but stolen nothing from the store.
Police were alerted to the burglary just before 2.30am on Wainuiomata Rd.
The excavator, which was unlawfully taken from a nearby construction site, caused significant damage to the buildingbut a BP spokesperson told the Herald nothing was actually taken.
"Nothing was taken and none of our team were at the site at the time. At BP, the safety of our customers and team members is our first priority,
"We are appreciative of the community support our BP team have received from our customers following this incident and we expect the site to reopen later this week."
Hutt South list MP Chris Bishop says the overnight raid is "incredibly shocking".
"There's been some concern about youth crime in Wainuiomata but we haven't experienced a ram raid like this – I think people will be quite shocked at the severity of it and the brazenness of it – using a stolen digger, right on a busy main road."
Bishop told the Herald he knows the staff at the BP well, and they do "a really good job".
Police say the excavator was stolen from a nearby building site. Image / Chris Bishop
"We await the police investigation but if anyone knows anything please come forward as we want to catch those responsible,
Once the BP is all fixed up I'm sure people would want to go out and help support them."
Police staff, including a dog handler, were in the area soon after - however, they were unable to locate any offenders at the time.
A scene guard has been in place overnight as the building has been deemed to be unstable, Hutt Valley prevention manager Inspector Haley Ryan said.
Police say the excavator was stolen from a nearby building site. Image / Chris Bishop
"We are treating this matter seriously and we believe someone in the close-knit Wainuiomata community will know who did this."
Inquiries would continue today, including a scene examination.
"We will also have staff going door-to-door speaking to any potential witnesses, or anyone with relevant information."
* Anyone with information about the incident can also speak to Police staff at the Wainuiomata Police Station, or contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220516/5953.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
