Waitakere Police investigating a series of violent aggravated robberies in the New Lynn area have released video footage and are seeking urgent public help to stop the offenders.
The latest aggravated robbery took place last Thursday night at Subway New Lynn. At 10.40pm as the two employees were closing up for the evening, a staff member was confronted at the back door of the shop by 3 men, and a knife was held to his throat.
The men had their faces covered (one was wearing a balaclava, the other two had their hoodies tied tightly around their face) and pushed the employee back into the shop. Both staff members were then assaulted, threatened, and forced to open the safe. They were then pushed into a freezer.
A backpack containing the wallet, drivers licence and passport and cellphone of one of the staff was also stolen.
The men then ran out of the backdoor towards Lynn Mall. The staff managed to open the freezer door from the inside several minutes later and called Police.
Both staff members sustained minor injuries and were severely shaken.
The incident was the 8th aggravated robbery of a retail outlet in New Lynn since June and investigations into whether they are linked are underway.
The previous 7 robberies have taken place on the following dates and locations;
7 June - Radius Pharmacy Delta Avenue
18 June - Radius Pharmacy Delta Avenue
6 July - Hells Pizza Totara Avenue
10 July - Mid West Pharmacy Great North Road
10 July - Radius Pharmacy Delta Avenue
23 July - Hells Pizza Totara Avenue
9 September - Subway Great North Road
"We're investigating whether these crimes are being done by the same people. The first 7 robberies were committed by one offender who made no attempt to hide his face. Thursday night's robbery was different in that there were 3 people who did disguise themselves. One of our biggest concerns is that this latest attack had an escalation in the level of violence used and we want to stop whoever is responsible before someone gets seriously injured" says Detective Sergeant Steven Salton, Henderson CIB.
Six of the robberies have taken place between 5 -7 o'clock in the evening.
"Whoever is doing these crimes is armed and aggressive in places where you could quite easily expect members of the pubic to walk in. In several of the robberies it's the second time the shop has been targeted and the same staff members have been re-traumatised."
In the first 7 robberies staff have been physically pushed, grabbed and threatened by a lone man with a gun or a screwdriver. The offender has threatened them and demanded money.
"It is highly likely that someone out there knows who these people are. The people that work in these shops are simply trying to make a living and I cannot reiterate how important it is that these offenders are stopped before someone does get seriously hurt" says Mr Salton.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Henderson Police on 09 8390600 or to report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Descriptions
Attacks 1-7 (lone offender)
Fair skinned maori or polynesian man
Tall - around 5'9" to 6 feet
Medium to stocky build
Attack 8 (3 offenders)
Offender 1 - Male, aged in his early 20's, clean shaven, medium build, approx 6'1"
Offender 2 - Male, aged in his early 20's, medium build, approx 6'2"
Offender 3 - No description available
ENDS
Several minutes' worth of CCTV footage including the most recent attack is available on a CD. Please contact Beth Bates if you would like a copy.
Detective Sergeant Steve Salton is available for all forms of interview today. Please phone Beth on 0274 752 518 to arrange this.
Attached photographs glossary
1. Subway - 12 September / Offenders shut staff in fridge
2. Subway - 12 September / Offenders hold staff member on ground
3. Subway - 9 September /Offender carrying till
4. Subway - 9 September/Close up of offender's face
5. Subway - 9 September/Close up of offender's face
6. Subway - 9 September/Full body image of offender
7. Radius Pharmacy - 10 July/Full body image of offender
8. Radius Pharmacy - 10 July/Full body image of offender
