A security guard has been injured after a group of thieves attempted to break into a west Auckland shopping centre in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
In a statement, police said they are investigating the aggravated burglary at the Westgate shopping centre on Fernhill Drive at around 3:28am.
Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager Inspector Jason Edwards said police believe the thieves broke into two retail stores within the complex.
"One person in the group has assaulted a security guard at the scene, who has received medical attention for moderate injuries, and is currently recovering in a stable condition," Edwards said.
"Police are following positive lines of enquiries and are committed to holding those responsible to account."
MacPac and MoboPlus were the two stores targeted by the offenders, according to Westgate Shopping Centre management, Stuff reported.
Edwards said police will be in the area on Tuesday morning to undertake a scene examination.
He urges anyone with information about the burglary to contact police.
"Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.
Please reference file number 221011/3245.
"Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
This is not the first time a security guard has been injured by thieves during a burglary this year.
In April, a security guard was struck in the back while another suffered cuts to his hands during a robbery at WestCity mall in the west Auckland suburb of Henderson.
