New Plymouth Police are appealing for witnesses to burglaries at two separate service stations that occurred in the space of a week.
The first burglary occurred overnight on Sunday 5 May at the Egmont Village Service Station. A significant amount of cigarettes were taken.
The second burglary occurred at the BP service station in Oakura at 2.15am this morning (Friday 10 May). The two offenders attempted to force open the cigarette holder but they were unsuccessful, however cigarette rolling papers and grocery items were taken.
Detective Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed these burglaries or has any information about them. If you have been offered either boxed cigarettes or tobacco at a discount rate recently we encourage you to contact the Police as they may be linked to the burglaries."
"Also if you have noticed any suspicious vehicles or activity around your community or service stations call 111 at the time. If it looks suspicious it probably is, so go with your gut instinct."
Police are investigating both matters separately and are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage at both stations. At this stage it is too early to say if the burglaries are linked.
If you have any information relevant to these investigations please contact the New Plymouth Police on (06) 759 5500. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Below are some CCTV stills from the burglary at the BP service station in Oakura. The two male offenders both have their head and face covered by hoodies. One offender is wearing a dark hoodie while the other a lighter hoodie with grey. Both appear to be wearing dark coloured jeans and have blue t-shirts underneath their hoodies.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.
