Five people arrested following attempted robberies in Hamilton

Five people have been arrested following an attempted robbery and fleeing driver incident in Hamilton.    About 9.30am yesterday (Monday 14 January), a group of people entered a dairy on Knighton Road in Hillcrest armed with screwdrivers and poles.    They fled when the dairy owner activated a fog cannon.    Later that day, the same group approached another dairy - in Aberdeen Drive, Dinsdale - in a similar manner.      Police were called and attending officers located a vehicle with the alleged offenders inside.    When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated but quickly abandoned due to the manner of driving.    Police located the vehicle a short time later, however its occupants had fled on foot.    Five people — four youths and one adult (aged 17) — were located following a search by officers, the dog section and Eagle helicopter.    The youths have been referred to Youth Aid, while the 17-year-old is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today, charged with assault with intent to rob and unlawfully getting into a vehicle.    Police are still making enquiries to locate a sixth person, seen wearing a dark green long sleeve top, as pictured.    Anyone with information is urged to contact Constable Ben Boserio at BBCO09@police.govt.nz or by calling Hamilton Police on (07) 858 6200, quoting file 190114/4567.    ENDS   Issued by Police Media Centre.