Aukland, New Zealand- Officers are investigating a series of incidents across the city over the last three weeks, which have seen jewelry stores hit by smash and grabs, overnight burglaries, and ram-raids.
It comes after a Newmarket store was allegedly robbed on Sunday night after previously being ram-raided by a group of hooded thieves on April 12. On April 14, a store in St Lukes was also robbed.
Dramatic footage from Thursday last week showed a group of alleged armed thieves fleeing from Dress Smart in Onehunga.
Following the incidents, police said it has “prioritised” shopping mall visits, with more than 100 made between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening.
“Throughout this period, we had staff conducting foot patrols, reassurance visits to retailers and a higher visibility around shopping centres,” Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said.
“Staff working at these stores are just doing their jobs, and they should not have to experience the blatantly violent behaviour on display during this offending.
“Our officers will continue to prioritise these prevention patrols over the coming weeks alongside other demand.”
No arrests have been made in connection with the robberies, and police say that investigators are “working through a substantial amount of information and evidence”.
“We are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents may be connected and analysis regarding ‘series linking’ forms part of our process.
“Our priority continues to be to locate those responsible and hold them to account.”
Baldwin said he is “confident” there are people with information about those involved, or who witnessed the incidents.
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If you have any information regarding these subjects, please contact the Jewelers Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.