Attributable to Detective Sergeant Craig Vining:
Hawke’s Bay Police investigating an aggravated robbery in Havelock North are seeking information on the incident and on a stolen car involved.
Between 8pm and 11pm last night, June 4, a 1996 silver Subaru Impreza station wagon was stolen from Victoria Street in Hastings.
Around 11:20pm, the group of three or four offenders made their way to the Mobil petrol station in Havelock North, and parked on the forecourt.
Two of the offenders were armed with weapons. The males had their faces covered, and were described as Maori, aged in their late teens or early 20s.
The group smashed a glass display on the counter during the robbery, and made off with cigarettes.
The attendant was unharmed, but left extremely shaken. He managed to secure himself in a staffroom, and contact Police.
The stolen car [pictured] was later found on Miller Road, off St Georges Road.
Detective Sergeant Craig Vining says this is the second stolen car used in an aggravated robbery in the last four days in Hawke's Bay.
“We want to remind members of the public to secure their vehicles, and to take note of any suspicious people in their streets who may be looking to target vehicles to use for their offending.
“For a few packets of cigarettes, these criminals are putting the safety of others at extreme risk, and they themselves face years in prison.
“If you know who they are, turn them in before they re-offend because we will identify and charge them,” Detective Sergeant Vining says.
Anyone who may have seen the stolen car last night is being urged to contact Police, along with anyone who may have information about the robbery.
Information can be given to Hastings Police on 06 831 0700, or alternatively anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
