Three people have been arrested overnight after a number of break-ins and ram-raids across Auckland.
There have been two ram-raid style burglaries in West Auckland, including the Harvey Norman at the NorthWest Shopping Centre and a liquor store in Titirangi.
This was then followed by a smash-and-grab at Huffer on Ponsonby Road, which left glass and clothing strewn across the footpath while another burglary also took place at a residential property in Hillsborough.
The robberies come after a spike in similar crimes, including thieves smashing their way into an Auckland dairy in Penrose on Friday morning.
Ram-raid style robberies are causing concern across Auckland with a store in Mount Roskill and a gas station in Titirangi targeted last Tuesday. On the same night on the other side of Auckland, the Mairangi Bay Dairy was also hit, with thieves stealing cash and vapes. Meanwhile down the country in Christchurch, a Thirsty Liquor storefront was completely smashed.
Minister of Police Poto Williams says the Police and the Ministry of Social Development are working on a plan to address youths involved in gang activity.
Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers said police continue to maintain high visibility, patrolling communities and responding to any incidents as they occur.
"I would like to acknowledge our staff who are continuing to work hard across the districts in Tāmaki Makaurau," Chambers said.
"These results reflect the commitment of our staff from across multiple workgroups on night shift, including our front line staff, dog handlers and investigations staff."
West Auckland
Police said in a statement two ram-raid style burglaries occurred before midnight in Waitematā, which saw two people arrested.
Police said the first incident occurred at an electronics retailer in Westgate at 11:13pm on Tuesday.
A vehicle has allegedly been used to force entry into the store before two cars have then fled the area afterwards, police said.
"Police are still working to establish what items may have been taken from the store," police said.
About 30 minutes later, the same two vehicles allegedly were used to commit a further burglary at a liquor store in Titirangi.
Police said the incident occurred at around 11:56pm, with a vehicle being used to gain entry. Both vehicles fled the scene, with alcohol allegedly stolen.
"One of these vehicles was located by police in the Glen Eden area, with the police dog section deploying and tracking to a nearby address," the statement said.
"Police have conducted a search at the address and recovered a number of liquor bottles. Two people were arrested for unrelated matters at the time."
Police continued to conduct enquiries throughout Tuesday morning, which saw two other people charged with the two burglaries.
Police said the two men, aged 18 and 19, are due to appear in the Waitākere District Court on Tuesday and wouldn't rule out further arrests in relation to the two incidents.
Auckland City
In Auckland City, police received a report about a burglary taking place at a residential property on Olsen Avenue in Hillsborough at around 11:46pm.
Police responded to the incident and where they spotted a vehicle leaving the area. This vehicle was signalled to stop by police, but failed to do so.
"It was not pursued, however, when the vehicle crashed in Mt Roskill, a police dog and handler deployed and commenced enquiries to locate the offender. Simultaneous enquiries were made with CCTV at the scene," police said.
A 28-year-old man was located and arrested by police at an Mt Albert address on outstanding burglary matters while enquiries continue into the burglary, police said.
Investigations are also underway into a burglary at a clothing retailer - Huffer - in Ponsonby.
Police said the burglary was reported at the Ponsonby Road store at 2:10am, where offenders smashed a window to enter the store and stole a quantity of clothing as a result.
The vehicle the offenders were seen in, left the area and was later located nearby in Newton.
"Police remind anyone that knowingly or recklessly buys or receives stolen items that they are committing an offence and could be liable for prosecution," police said.
"Enquiries are continuing. Anyone with information should contact Police on 105 quoting the reference number P050442689".
Takanini
In Counties Manukau, police are investigating an attempted burglary at a phone retailer in Takanini.
Police said at 12:40am on Tuesday, a group of offenders smashed a window to gain entry to the store.
"However, the store had a fog cannon installed which meant their attempts were futile and offenders were forced to leave empty handed," police said.
"Police enquiries into that incident are ongoing and anyone with information can contact Police on 105 quoting the file number 220503/0051."
