Arrests made after aggravated robbery in Northland

Three youths will be put before the Court today following an incident in the Whangārei District yesterday afternoon.

Police received a report of an aggravated robbery at a commercial address on Rauiri Drive, Marsden Cove, around 3.14pm.

Three youths wearing masks and carrying a golf club and a knife entered the premises and threatened staff before taking a quantity of cigarettes and alcohol.

The youths fled in a vehicle that had been stolen from Whangārei a short time earlier.

Within minutes the vehicle was sighted by a Police unit on State Highway 1 and was followed north to nearby Ruakākā.

Whangārei Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says the vehicle was successfully spiked just south of Whangārei.

“Police units were able to box in the vehicle, stop it, and take the offenders into custody without further incident.

“Our staff responding quickly and decisively. This was an excellent response by all available units and resulted in a swift apprehension.”

Three youths are due to appear in the Whangārei Youth Court today, Thursday 26 October, and will face a number of charges relating to aggravated robbery, vehicle theft and driving offences.

“Police have no tolerance for those causing harm in our communities and we will continue to utilise all measures available to hold offenders to account,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.