16 September 2008
Hamilton Police believe an aggravated robbery of a city service station this morning could have been avoided if safety and security advice given to business owners two weeks ago had been followed.
Shortly after 1am today a man approached the night pay window of the Caltex Service Station on Avalon Dr.
Instead of serving the man through the night pay window the sole male attendant allowed the man entry to the store via the locked automatic doors.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Page said when the man entered he pulled on a balaclava and produced a knife, holding up the store.
A second man, also wearing a balaclava, also entered the store and the pair took cash and cigarettes before leaving the attendant in a rear toilet and leaving.
"It's somewhat frustrating for those investigating such robberies that this situation was avoidable," said Mr Page.
"Two weeks ago Police met with service station operators to discuss best practice and how to keep their staff safe."
Police are continuing their education message today, holding a business safety seminar for other small business owners at the city's Central Police Station.
In addition Business Crime Prevention booklets are available at all stations across the city.
Though both offenders hid their identities it is hoped security camera footage will provide images of sufficient quality to provide to the media later today.
"We're keeping an open mind on if there are any links between this latest incident and a series of offences we highlighted earlier this month and constantly reviewing cases to confirm or negate links between robberies" said Mr Page.
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