Hamilton Police say a combination of quick thinking by response staff and timely reporting of a crime taking place led to the arrest of three men following a weekend aggravated robbery in the City.
Waikato Community Engagement Manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said a number of calls were received at the Police Northern Communications Centre from members of the public who phoned 111 shortly after 4pm on Friday.
"The callers described two men entering a Killarney Rd dairy, one armed with a handgun, the other with a screw driver.
"The pair are alleged to have threatened the female shop assistant before making off with a quantity of cigarettes and tobacco before fleeing in a vehicle driven by a waiting third offender."
Mr Lynam said responding staff divided themselves between attending the scene of the crime and canvassing likely escape routes.
"One officer headed up SH1 south of Ngaruawahia and spotted a vehicle matching the getaway car's description and was able to guide other units in to allow it to be stopped.
"As a result three Ngaruawahia men, aged 20, 21 and 31-years-old were arrested and appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Saturday on charges of aggravated robbery."
Mr Lynam said the timely relaying of information of the robbery taking place enabled a quick, successful response from Police and he encouraged anyone who is a victim or witnesses a crime taking place to phone 111 immediately.
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