Staff at an Auckland jewellery store were forced to seek refuge in a locked back room as thieves rammed a stolen vehicle into the shop, smashing cabinets and stealing valuable items, The New Zealand Herald reported.
The incident, which occurred in Newmarket around 8.55pm yesterday, saw six offenders, their faces obscured, break into the store after employees had begun closing up for the day.
"The employees locked themselves in a back room while six offenders, whose faces were covered, began breaking cabinets and taking jewellery," Detective Sergeant Joseph Niupopo said.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the ordeal.
The thieves, armed with hammers and tyre irons, smashed cabinets and made off with a substantial amount of high-end jewellery before fleeing the scene. Police later found the abandoned stolen vehicle a short distance away, with some of the stolen goods still inside.
Forensic examinations of both the scene and the vehicle are ongoing.
"This was a distressing incident for the store staff, and we are providing them with support as we work to locate the offenders," Niupopo stated. "The employees responded bravely and made the right decision to put their own safety first."
A full inventory of the store's stock will be conducted to determine the extent of the losses.
Police urge anyone with information to contact them via 105, by phone, or online at 105.police.govt.nz, referencing file number 240412/0735. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
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