Arrests made in relation to Masterton aggravated robbery

Police investigating the aggravated robbery of two women in Roberts Road on the evening of 17 July have arrested two men in relation to the incident.   
 
The arrests followed the execution of a search warrant at a Miriam Street address yesterday afternoon. 
 
The search warrant was carried out in order to locate the firearm believed to have been used in the robbery. 
 
“One of the people at the address refused to cooperate with Police and was later found hidden in the loft of the house," says Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth.
 
“Some residents were unable to enter their homes for a period of time, during the execution of the search warrant.  We’d like to apologise for the inconvenience to those residents, and thank them for their patience as we worked to resolve this situation.” 
 
“This robbery involved serious criminal offending. The two victims are very shaken and are being assisted by Victim Support.”
 
“One of the victims had travelled to the Wairarapa to purchase a car that had been advertised on Facebook.  This is a timely reminder to anyone engaged in online transactions to be vigilant when meeting with potential sellers or purchasers. While a robbery of this type is rare, particularly in the Wairarapa community, we all need to keep safety top-of-mind when meeting up with people we have only interacted with online.”    
 
Police are continuing to search the Miriam Street address this morning. Charges are being considered in relation to the two men who were arrested last night. 
 
Police are still keen to hear from anyone with information that may assist with the investigation of the aggravated robbery, which took place in Roberts Road on Wednesday night at around 8.30pm.  
 
We’re particularly interested in sightings of two men described as Caucasian, aged in their 20s and wearing dark clothing; or of a silver Mitsubishi Mirage that the two victims were parked in at the time of the robbery.  
 
Please contact Masterton Police on 06 370 0300.  Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.   
 
ENDS