Auckland police have been busy responding to two aggressive break-ins at petrol stations overnight.
The first robbery occurred at GAS Kolmar Road in Papatoetoe, Auckland, just after 9pm on Monday. During the incident, a worker was forced to flee to safety out the back of the station. The petrol station was operating through a service window when the offenders smashed through the protective screen.
A police spokesperson informed Newshub that investigations into the burglary, believed to have been carried out by a group of people, are ongoing. However, no arrests have been made at this stage.
"It appears the offenders have smashed their way into the building and taken a number of items before leaving," the spokesperson said.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and speak to them. They can be contacted via the 105 phone service, quoting job number P057988333. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Shortly after, at 12:25 am, police responded to an aggravated burglary at Caltex on West Coast Rd in Glen Eden. Photos from the scene show the night counter window was smashed, with glass scattered on the ground.
This incident marks the third Auckland petrol station targeted in the last two days, following a similar robbery in Western Springs. At Caltex Western Springs, a worker was threatened by a hammer-wielding offender who entered the back room where he was hiding.
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) issued a statement following the Western Springs robbery, criticizing the Government and calling for action to back up its tough stance on crime.
"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," MTA chief executive Lee Marshall said.
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