Police have arrested two teenagers in connection with an aggravated robbery on Auckland’s North Shore, where a masked trio stormed a Birkenhead pawnbroker, smashed display cabinets, and fled in a stolen vehicle.
The incident took place on Mokoia Road, opposite Highbury Shopping Centre, and left the community shaken. Police said the offenders, believed to be armed, entered the store and carried out a smash-and-grab before escaping with stolen goods.
Officers quickly launched an investigation and made significant progress within hours. Two teens were arrested and are now facing multiple charges, including aggravated robbery and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Police say they are still working to identify the third suspect involved in the incident.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews said, “Our teams acted swiftly following the robbery, and these arrests demonstrate our commitment to holding offenders accountable. We understand how distressing such incidents can be for local businesses and the wider community.”
The stolen vehicle used in the robbery has since been recovered, and no injuries were reported. Police are urging anyone with further information or video footage from the area to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have noted a rise in youth-involved smash-and-grab incidents across Auckland and reaffirmed their focus on tackling organized youth crime through both enforcement and prevention measures.
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