Reflecting on a large number of arrests following an investigation into a series of aggravated robberies across Hamilton, a senior Waikato Police officer is crediting investigators for their dogged determination.
District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Karl Thornton, said a large team of Police staff conducted several searches of properties around Hamilton from first light this morning.
"The searches were part of the termination phase of Operation Ollivier, a two-month long investigation into seven aggravated robberies which involved the use of firearms earlier this year which included the robbery of the Frankton TAB in April and the Still Working Bar in May.
"So far 20 people have been arrested including five females and face a variety of charges including three men charged with attempted murder and this trio and two other men have also been charged with being members of an organised criminal group."
Others facing prosecution include six juveniles arrested for an aggravated robbery on Hamilton's Holland Rd and three offenders arrested for robberies in the Coromandel.
Mr Thornton said a variety of weapons were recovered in the searches of 15 properties including two BB guns, two rifles and two shotguns.
"Because of the serious nature of the offences and the risks posed to the public, the searches were conducted with the assistance of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad and the recovery of the firearms indicates those safety concerns were well justified.
"Enquiries are still continuing into the robberies and Police have not ruled out further arrests or charges."
Describing today's events as a major success, Mr Thornton said today's results spoke volumes of the Police tactics of applying a whole of policing approach to serious crime.
"Offenders need to know that under the Prevention First and Policing Excellence models Police are able to apply a whole of District response to serious crime.
"The Op Ollivier investigation team involved 15 investigators from across the Waikato Police District supported by a large number of other specialist staff and all those involved should take a lot of pride in delivering such a strong result to the Waikato public."
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