Police have been kept busy overnight responding to two aggressive break-ins by thieves at petrol stations.
The first robbery took place at GAS Kolmar Rd in the Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe just after 9pm on Monday, during which a worker was forced to flee out the back to safety. The petrol station was operating through a service window when offenders smashed their way through the protective screen.
A police spokesperson told Newshub investigations into the burglary are ongoing but, so far, no arrests have been made.
"It appears the offenders have smashed their way into the building and taken a number of items before leaving," the spokesperson said.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward and speak to the police.
"Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact police via our 105 phone service, quoting job number P057988333. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
Worker shaken after aggravated burglary - police
Just more than three hours later, police raced to Caltex on West Coast Rd in Glen Eden after an aggravated burglary.
Police told Newshub a group of people smashed their way into the petrol station.
An employee, who was present at the time, activated a fog cannon and then moved to a secure place.
Waitematā West Relieving Area Commander Insp Jason Edwards said the group of thieves then fled in a vehicle taking the till. The worker was "shaken" but unharmed.
Photos from the scene show the night counter window boarded up after being smashed and the store entrance still cordoned off by police.
A short time after the burglary, the Police Eagle Helicopter has then spotted a similar vehicle nearby on Seymour Rd.
"The vehicle has fled at high speed at the sight of police and no pursuit was initiated," Edwards said.
Officers successfully spiked the vehicle on Henderson Valley Rd and three people were arrested.
"Police enquiries are ongoing to determine if the three in custody were involved in the aggravated burglary," Edwards added. "Police also located a second vehicle abandoned nearby, which is believed to be linked."
Fuel stations heading for 'USA-style crime hell'
It's the third Auckland petrol station to be targeted in the last two days following a similar robbery in Western Springs.
A worker at Caltex Western Springs was left rattled after being threatened by a hammer-wielding offender who came into the back room where he hid.
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) released a statement following the Western Springs robbery, hitting out at the Government and calling on them to back up its tough crime talk with action.
"At this rate, we're headed for the kind of hell you see in Florida where gas station operators need to hide behind inch-thick steel bars for protection. We seriously need to ask ourselves if that's a future we want," chief executive Lee Marshall said.
Software company Auror, a retail crime reporting platform, told Newshub on Tuesday there has been a 16 percent increase in threatening and violent behaviour over the past few years.
"From Auror's insights, we know that 10 percent of people are causing 60 percent of the loss and harm in NZ, we also know that repeat offenders are four times more likely to engage in violent and aggressive behaviour," chief executive and co-founder Phil Thomson said.
"The robbery at Western Springs Caltex over the weekend was upsetting and our thoughts are with the team members impacted. Retail staff have the right to be safe in their workplace and that Kiwis should feel safe in their communities."
