An Auckland jewellery store, Onehunga Jewellers, was the site of a violent robbery as the business was in the process of closing down due to previous criminal activities.
The store was attacked by two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, who used hammers to smash display cabinets, leaving glass shards scattered across the store. The store owner, who chose to remain anonymous, reported being severely shaken by the event, which occurred amidst a closing-down sale prompted by multiple prior attacks, including a car crashing through the store window.
Details of the Robbery
The robbery led to a significant amount of jewellery being stolen. Auckland City CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong confirmed the theft and detailed the police response. The suspects were apprehended following a 40-minute police chase that involved a police helicopter and two spike deployments. The chase ended when the suspects’ vehicle crashed into barriers at the intersection of Ti Rakau Drive and Reeves Road.
Police Response and Arrests
Inspector Rob Carpinter reported that police were alerted to the incident at around 4.11pm on Tuesday. As the suspects fled, they were tracked by the police helicopter, Eagle, from Papakura through Manurewa and onto Roscommon Road, Wiri. Initial attempts to stop the vehicle were unsuccessful, but the police managed to deploy spikes twice, eventually forcing the vehicle to crash. The suspects then attempted to hijack another vehicle but were intercepted by the police.
Charges and Connections to Other Crimes
The 17-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple offences, including aggravated robbery, dangerous driving, failing to stop, and two counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Additionally, this individual is linked to a violent attempted robbery at a Mt Albert sports bar on June 22, where a staff member was attacked, resulting in a cut neck, and three customers were injured, one critically.
The 15-year-old suspect faces charges of aggravated robbery and two counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Industry Implications
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by jewellers in Auckland and the wider jewellery industry due to rising crime rates. The closure of Onehunga Jewellers is a reminder of the impact of repeated criminal activities on small businesses. Jewellers must increasingly consider enhanced security measures to protect their assets and ensure the safety of their staff and customers.
