Three teenagers have been arrested for brazen daylight robberies at Michael Hill Jewellery stores in Auckland and New Plymouth and a gas station.
Waitematā West CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie said Waitematā and Auckland City Police arrested three teenagers aged 14, 15, and 16 after conducting a search warrant on Sunday morning at a Panmure address.
Det Snr Sgt Goldie said officers found the three alleged teens from Saturday's robbery along with weapons believed to have been used in the incident and a significant amount of jewellery and other items.
Police also believe the teens had links to an aggravated robbery of a Western Springs service station on May 3 and a New Plymouth jewellery store on May 5.
Footage from the daylight aggravated robbery in New Plymouth showed hammer-wielding thieves smashing glass cabinets before taking a number of jewellery items and fleeing in a stolen vehicle along the footpath.
Social media footage of the robbery on Saturday showed several people wearing hoodies and masks smashing cabinets at the store.
"This morning's arrests are a significant development and involved Police from Waitematā and Auckland City working together," Det Snr Sgt Goldie said.
"Offending such as this is brazen and terrifying, and we will use every tool at our disposal to locate those responsible."
Det Snr Sgt Goldie said officers will continue to make inquiries into people associated with the three teenagers arrested, review CCTV and video footage, and catalogue the items that have been recovered.
"While resolutions like this are positive, we know they are cold comfort to the people who have been victimised at their place of work or while shopping at a local mall - somewhere they should feel safe," Det Snr Sgt Goldie said.
"We can confirm Police and Victim Support will be providing ongoing support to the workers involved in yesterday's robbery."
Aggravated robberies have been happening more and more over the last year and Kiwis are starting to take matters into their own hands.
But Det Snr Sgt Goldie urges Kiwis to leave confronting the offenders to the police.
"We would like to remind members of the public to never intervene in events like these," Det Snr Sgt Goldie said.
"The most crucial thing you can do is call 111 immediately and provide as many details as you can.
"Even if the offenders get away, that valuable information is recorded and can help us link offenders in the future."
