Robbers armed with knives and hammers have targeted a Hamilton jewellery store in a smash-and-grab heist.
The Michael Hill Jeweller in Chartwell Shopping Centre was hit by a group of offenders armed with weapons just after 3pm on Friday.
According to Stuff, one witness said he saw a group of about "three or four younger kids and a bunch of older guys". The outlet also reported they were armed with knives and hammers.
Videos posted on social media showed chaos in the aftermath. One showed a group of youths fleeing the jewellers carrying bags appearing to be filled with jewellery.
According to Stuff one robber, who appeared to be a teenager, was caught by a security guard and workers from another store.
Another video showed this robber being walked by police out of the store. A police spokesperson confirmed to Newshub one person had been taken into custody following the robbery and said charges are being considered.
No one was injured during the incident.
"We want to reassure the community that this type of offending will not be tolerated, and we are working hard to locate the other people involved," the spokesperson said.
Michael Hill stores have been increasingly targetted by smash-and-grab and ram-raid style robberies in the past couple of years.
In October 2022, Michael Hill was forced to implement a raft of security protection measures following a string of brazen attacks. These measures included security guards positioned at each store, fog cannons and alarm screamers, additional security cameras installed, personal staff alarms and further security measures at night. DNA tacking spray mechanisms were also planned to be rolled out too to assist in identifying and apprehending the criminals involved.
Further to Michael Hill's increased security measures, staff and customers are offered counselling support when they find themselves on the receiving end of a robbery.
