A liquor store in north Waikato's Pōkeno has been robbed for the second time in as many weeks - this time by masked teenagers armed with an axe, shotgun and pistol.
Police officers were called to the The Bottle-O on Market Rd just after 6pm on Monday.
"The five masked offenders initially fled in a vehicle which they abandoned nearby," Counties Manukau South area commander Insp Joe Hunter said.
"As our staff arrived into the area, they sighted another vehicle driving at high speed and continuing south on State Highway 1.
"A pursuit of the vehicle was abandoned but, at this stage, the police air support unit was overhead and keeping a watching eye."
Hunter said the police eagle helicopter continued monitoring the fleeing vehicle, which was eventually found abandoned in the town of Meremere.
"A dog unit was deployed into the area and successfully tracked to a nearby address.
"Five young people were taken into custody at the address, aged between 13 and 15.
"Police staff conducted a search at the address and we have recovered the stolen alcohol, along with masks and the weapons allegedly used," Hunter said.
The same store was targeted just less than a fortnight ago, when four teenagers used a barstool to smash their way in.
"It is pleasing we have been able to apprehend these alleged offenders," Hunter said of the latest robbery
"I'm conscious this is a second aggravated robbery in recent weeks at this store and we will continue to ensure there is support in place for our business community."
The alleged robbers were due to appear in the Manukau Youth Court on Tuesday.
