A brazen daylight robbery of a Michael Hill store has been caught on camera, with a pair of thieves filmed smashing jewellery counters before darting off past shocked passersby to a car.
The footage was captured from outside the store on Hurstmere Rd in the Auckland suburb of Takapuna at 4:20pm Thursday afternoon, with robbers clearly visible through the front doors grabbing into counters and placing jewellery into bags.
One of the thieves is filmed using what appears to be a crowbar or a type of metal instrument to smash the glass of one counter before placing their hand inside and taking the goods.
When one of the thieves runs to the front door to leave, a second begins to follow before moving to the smashed counter and getting more jewellery.
Wearing hoodies, sweatpants and balaclavas, the pair run outside. One takes a quick swing at a member of the public standing outside, but doesn't appear to connect.
They get into what appears to be a Mazda Demio before speeding away.
Throughout the incident, members of the public can be standing outside and watching. Some are filming on their phones.
Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Stefan Sagar told Newshub that police "are currently investigating an aggravated robbery" in Takapuna. Police received "multiple reports" about the incident.
"Two offenders carrying metal bars entered the premises and smashed several glass cabinets," said Insp Sagar.
"They have taken an number of items and decamped in a vehicle, which was later found abandoned a short distance away.
"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing. Police treat these incidents seriously and we remain focused on investigating any incidents of violence.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 220617/7437. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
There's been a number of ram raids and smash-and-grabs in Auckland over recent months, including on Friday. Police are investigating a ram raid at a dairy in Epsom and a smash-and-grab break-in at a Three kings liquor store, both on Friday morning.
