Three aggravated robberies in Hamilton during weekend

Hamilton Police is investigating three aggravated robberies during the weekend which they believe are linked.

The first incident happened on Saturday, July 8, at around 2.30pm at the Holland Superette in Fairfield. Two males entered the shop and demanded cigarettes.

The offenders had their faces covered, and one was armed with a knife. The pair stole a large quantity of cigarettes and fled in a silver car. The first offender was described as a teenaged male, slim build and slightly taller than 5’5” in height. He was wearing a black hoodie and had his face covered.

The second offender was also a teenaged male, a similar height to the first offender and of solid build. He was wearing a white cloth over his face, black hoodie and black gumboots. This offender was carrying a knife that is described as silver and about the length of a marker pen. 

In the second incident, on Sunday, July 9, at about 8.00am a blue vehicle pulled up outside the Jalaram Superette, Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands. Three offenders entered the shop armed with a crowbar and stole a large quantity of cigarettes and cash. They then left in the same vehicle.

The third incident occurred this morning when three offenders smashed their way into a McDonald’s restaurant on Greenwood Street, Hamilton at around 3 am. A quantity of cash was stolen by the offenders.

Stolen vehicles were used in all three incidents. Given this, police is asking the public to be vigilant with vehicle security in the Claudelands and Fairfield areas.

“Please make sure you secure your vehicle and if you see any suspicious activity report it to police immediately,” the police has appealed to the community.

“While none of the victims suffered physical injuries in these incidents it would have been a very frightening situation for all of them. This type of behaviour is not acceptable, and we are committed to finding these offenders and holding them to account for their actions,” Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may recognise the people pictured in the CCTV images and their whereabouts. Police has also asked anyone who has been offered cheap cigarettes in recent days to get in touch.

Information can be shared with Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200 or anonymously via Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.