27 March 2008
Hamilton Detectives will interview the victims of an overnight robbery of a superette this morning while a brother and sister will appear in the Hamilton District Court in relation to the incident.
Detective Sergeant Robert Hermann of Hamilton CIB said the pair entered the Melville store shortly before 6pm armed with a knife threatening the husband and wife proprietors before assaulting them.
"A brief struggle ensued before the victims managed to escape out a side back door which was locked by some passers-by.
"The offenders locked the front door and helped themselves to confectionary and cash within the store," said Mr Hermann.
The male victim, bleeding from a head wound suffered when he fell, managed to keep the offenders blocked in the store with help from members of the public.
Armed Police ringed the scene on the corner of Ohaupo and Normandy roads while officers negotiated for about 30 minutes before the pair surrendered.
The male shopkeeper was taken by ambulance to Waikato Hospital for treatment for his head wound while his wife also required treatment for a cut she suffered in the attack.
"Neither of the victims' injuries was life threatening," said Mr Hermann.
While the 22-year-old man and 17-year-old woman are facing charges of assault with intent to rob City Police commanders are praising the efforts of the passers-by who came to the victims' aid.
Inspector Rob Lindsay said Police always advised extreme caution in such situations but the people's actions deserved to be praised.
"We commend the store owners, and the passers-by who came to their aid, who made an immediate assessment of the situation and acted accordingly.
"For the second time in as many weeks we are in the position of finding an appropriate way to recognise the service provided by members of the public not prepared to put up with crime in their community."
END