Police have launched multiple investigations following three violent robberies across Auckland including one where a gun was shot inside a bar filled with customers.
At around 12:57am on Friday, police were called to bar on Great North Rd, Point Chevalier after multiple offenders wielding hammers and a gun entered the building.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews, Auckland City CIB, said the bar was filled with staff and customers at the time.
Det Snr Sgt Matthews said one person fired a shot inside, which luckily struck a TV on a wall behind the bar.
"The offenders have taken money from the tills and gaming machines before fleeing," he said.
"It's incredibly lucky no [one] was physically injured."
Det Snr Sgt Matthews believes the same group are responsible for an aggravated robbery at a commercial property in Mt Albert on Wednesday night.
Just before midnight on Wednesday, four masked offenders armed with a gun and other weapons entered a building on New North Rd and stole the contents of the cash register.
"A staff member inside the premises was uninjured but understandably shaken by the incident. He has been provided with support by police."
Det Snr Sgt Matthews believes the two crimes are linked and said police are investigating.
Police are also investigating a separate aggravated robbery at what is believed to be an internet café and vape store in Mt Albert.
Police say at about 2:20am up to seven offenders armed with hammers entered the building on New North Rd, which at the time had a staff member and four customers inside.
"Two offenders have threatened the victims inside the store while the other offenders have taken a number of items before fleeing".
Det Snr Sgt Matthews said the victims were uninjured but shaken.
Det Snr Sgt Matthews said the group of offenders left in a stolen vehicle, which police found on Holbrook Street, Blockhouse Bay.
CCTV footage obtained by Newshub shows a white car stop outside the store and the offenders jump out and run inside.
Several minutes later, the offenders can be seen running from the store with items in their arms before fleeing in the same car.
Det Snr Sgt Matthews said the vehicle will now undergo a forensic examination.
"This type of violent behaviour is unacceptable. We are now working hard to identify and locate those involved so we can hold them accountable."
In an update on Friday afternoon, Det Snr Sgt Matthews reassured the community their safety and prevention of criminal activity is a "priority for us".
He understood that the raft of crimes is concerning and may cause some angst in the community, be he made assurances police are "working hard" to identify and locate the alleged offenders.
"Police are working with licensed premises and local retailers to provide advice regarding security and the safety of their staff, patrons and customers."
Police have ramped up staff numbers who are helping with reassurance and prevention work.
"We will continue regular patrols throughout the area."
Matthews said the violent offending which unfolded over the past 48 hours "will not be tolerated".
Police are again appealing to the public to come forward who may have information about the incidents.
Information can be reported to police on 105, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
