A North Shore liquor store on Sunnynook Road was targeted by four alleged robbers, resulting in a store worker being injured while attempting to stop them, police have confirmed.
In a media statement released today, police said four individuals were arrested following a shoplifting incident at the store in Sunnynook on Auckland’s North Shore last night.
“At approximately 8:40pm, three offenders allegedly entered the store, with two stealing boxes of alcohol. When the store employee attempted to intervene, he was confronted by the offenders and additional associates. The employee sustained minor injuries,” Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Mike Rickards, said.
The store owner told The New Zealand Herald that the worker chased the alleged thieves from the store and was cut on hand by one of the machetes.
Former Four Square Retailer and a businessman with over 30 years of experience and Indian community leader Kharag Singh spoke to The Indian Weekender on the importance of safety during such incidents.
“Advisory recommendations were adopted without enough regard
“My advice is simple: stay safe and let the professionals do their job. Our businesses are under enough pressure already — yours and your employees’ safety must always come first,” he added.
According to police, the alleged offenders then boarded a bus and were tracked to Britomart Square, where four individuals were arrested. Two of those arrested were found in possession of machetes.
A 22-year-old male has been charged with shoplifting and was due to appear in North Shore District Court today.
The New Zealand Herald reported that it was the first time the store had faced such a crime, highlighting the need for greater caution.