Four people have appeared in court on Friday charged with aggravated robbery.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Overend said at approximately 3:30am on Friday, three men entered a Ferry Rd, Christchurch shop armed with a hammer and an axe.
After climbing over the counter, they demanded the store assistant handover the contents of the cash register. They then escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash and food when fog cannons were activated.
Det Sgt Overend said with the help of a female accomplice they left the scene in a stolen vehicle, which was seen later by police being driven without headlights.
The police officer attempted to stop the vehicle and a brief pursuit ensued before the fleeing vehicle stopped and the four people were arrested.
They appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Friday.
Det Sgt Overend said police "have reason to believe the group is linked to other similar aggravated robberies" and are currently conducting enquiries to establish the connection.
"Police praise the proactive step taken by the shop in installing fog cannons," he said.
"We urge business owners to review their security needs frequently and see what steps they can take to prevent this type of crime."
Newshub.
