Whangārei Police have quickly taken six people into custody following an aggravated robbery this afternoon.
The incident unfolded at around 3.47pm, when the group of offenders entered a jewellery store on Cameron Street.
Whangārei Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom says the group arrived in a stolen vehicle.
“The offenders were brandishing weapons when carrying out the aggravated robbery before fleeing in the vehicle.
“Two people have been assaulted during the course of this brazen incident, and while injuries are not serious they are being provided treatment.”
Police quickly deployed to the area and began to make enquiries to locate this vehicle, Inspector Nordstrom says.
“I would like to acknowledge the work carried out by Whangārei staff, who quickly located this group in the nearby area and have taken them into custody.
“Our investigation is still in the very early stages and we are still establishing what has been taken during the incident. However, we can confirm some jewellery has been recovered.”
Police anticipate charges to be laid in due course. Offending against businesses continues to be taken seriously.
“The public can be reassured we are continuing to hold offenders to account for this sort of offending, and in this case we have taken the group into custody quickly,” Inspector Nordstrom says.
“This incident unfolded at a busy time in our CBD. The brazen violence is unacceptable and has no place in our communities.”
Police will be in a position to confirm charges and further details about those arrested at a later stage.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police