Police allege a machete was used in the robbery. Photo / NZ Police
Police allege a machete was used in the robbery. Photo / NZ Police
Four people allegedly armed with a large machete and other weapons robbed a Rotorua service station this morning, police say.
The group entered Te Ngae Rd Caltex Service Station in Ōwhata about 6am and threatened a staff member, stole cash, vape products and cigarettes, police alleged in a statement.
Theyleft in a stolen vehicle later found dumped nearby.
A police dog and handler tracked them to a nearby address after calls from the public.
Te Ngae Rd Caltex Service Station in Owhata, Rotorua. Photo / Google Maps
Three youths from Hamilton and Rotorua were arrested.
The statement said police had recovered stolen property and weapons linked to the incident, and the vehicle stolen from Hamilton overnight would be returned to its owner.
Rotorua area prevention manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks thanked the people who alerted police to the suspicious activity.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour and will take enforcement action where appropriate to keep our community safe.”
