There are fears Auckland petrol stations are being targeted as part of a new crime trend after another two aggressive burglaries overnight.
Auckland police have been busy over the past four days, responding to five burglaries at petrol stations, with one of the owners fearing it's only a matter of time until someone is killed.
The first burglary overnight was at the Caltex service station on Abbotts Way in the suburb of Remuera at 11:06pm on Tuesday evening.
A police spokesperson said four men arrived at the store, which was closed at the time, and smashed a glass window to gain entry.
The thieves allegedly stole a "range of merchandise" in the store before fleeing in a green station wagon they arrived in. Newshub understands cash and cigarettes were stolen.
The police helicopter spotted the vehicle abandoned in a nearby street, but investigations so far have not led to any arrests.
"Anyone who may have information to assist our investigation is asked to contact 105 quoting the file number 240306/4766. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111," the spokesperson said.
Worker assaulted
The second burglary occurred at Z Green Bay on Godley Road at 6:50am, which left a worker injured.
Police said they're still trying to establish what exactly happened but so far know the group of offenders were seen in the store and jumping over the counter.
A staff member has been assaulted and suffered minor injuries, police confirmed.
The group then fled from the service station in a vehicle, which has been found abandoned at Craigavon Park.
"Police are continuing to establish the exact series of events and what has been stolen in the incident," the spokesperson said.
"We acknowledge members of the public that reported the initial incident, and we ask anyone around the Craigavon Park area with information to contact us. Please contact 105 quoting the reference number P058001039."
A Z Energy spokesperson told Newshub it's focused on providing site staff support.
"As we have a network of Z service stations across the country, unfortunately there is always a level of crime at out sites – such as fuel theft or burglaries," the spokesperson said.
"Like other retailers, we have seen a rise in retail crime and our priority is managing the safety of our people and our customers."
The spokesperson told Newshub it has invested $33 million in security measures over the last five years, including reinforcing doors and windows, installing fog cannons, establishing safe rooms and giving staff safety pendants and alarms.
"Safety is paramount and we will continue to invest in measures to protect our team."
Five Auckland petrol stations robbed in four days
The two burglaries overnight mean five petrol stations have been targeted over the past four days.
It has sparked fears of a new crime wave after smash-and-grabs and ram raids were a common occurrence last year.
The first burglary occurred on Sunday morning when a worker at Caltex Western Springs was left rattled after being threatened by a hammer-wielding offender who came into the back room where he hid.
Shocking CCTV footage shows a group of eight thieves jumping over the counter as the staff member set off the fog cannon.
On Monday night, police were kept busy responding to two burglaries, the first at GAS Kolmar Rd in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe, during which a worker was forced to flee out the back to safety.
A few hours later a worker was shaken after thieves smashed their way into a Caltex service station in Glen Eden before police arrested three people.
CCTV footage of the Glen Eden burglary shows thieves trying to smash their way into the store.
Caltex Franchise owner Sanjai Bagia told Newshub on Tuesday if the Government doesn't do something he fears a worker could be killed.
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has also been critical of the Government's response.
MTA released a statement following the Western Springs robbery, hitting out at the Government and calling on them to back up its tough crime talk with action.
"At this rate, we're headed for the kind of hell you see in Florida where gas station operators need to hide behind inch-thick steel bars for protection. We seriously need to ask ourselves if that's a future we want," chief executive Lee Marshall said.
