Police are investigating two jewellery store robberies in Auckland on Sunday afternoon, suspecting they may be connected, Stuff has reported.
The first incident occurred just after 4 pm at a store on Great South Rd in Papatoetoe. A group arrived outside, forced their way in, and smashed glass cabinets before fleeing with stolen jewellery. Staff managed to move to safety, and the offenders left in the same vehicle they arrived in. That vehicle was later found abandoned nearby.
Less than three hours later, at 6.50 pm, another robbery took place at the newly opened Mānawa Bay shopping centre near Auckland Airport. A group stormed into a jewellery store, smashed display cases, and grabbed more jewellery before escaping in a stolen vehicle. Police later found the vehicle abandoned on Richard Pearse Drive, with the offenders splitting up and leaving in two separate cars.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Paea of Counties Manukau CIB confirmed that police are still in the early stages of their investigation.
"At this stage, we believe these two incidents may be linked," he said. "It is fortunate that no staff suffered any physical injuries, but they are understandably shaken."
Police are urging anyone with information to call 105 and quote reference number 250323/1850. Anonymous tips can also be shared via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
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