06 May 2008
Police are currently reviewing security footage and contacting business owners about tightening security following a robbery of an East Hamilton service station overnight.
Detective Sergeant Robert Hermann of Hamilton CIB said the robbery took place at the Caltex Naylor Street service station shortly before 9pm.
"Three men, described as either Maori or Polynesian, with at least two armed with pistols, entered the store and threatened the sole male attendant.
"Taking cash and tobacco the trio then fled on foot, a witness describes two fleeing south across Naylor St to Fox St while the other went south towards Galloway Park."
Acknowledging this was the third recent aggravated robbery of a Hamilton service station Mr Hermann said Police were unable to determine if all three were linked.
"But we're keeping an open mind and exploring a number of options. At the same time we contacted as many service station owners as possible last night about checking security and using night pay options.
"We are continuing to contact owners today and would like all businesses open at night, such as takeaway bars and dairys to look at their security." he said.
Mr Hermann said while no-one has been hurt in either of the robberies each time the attendants have been threatened with firearms and were emotionally shaken.
"To be threatened in such away is traumatising for anyone and we would like to find whoever is responsible for each of the robberies as quickly as possible before someone, including the offenders, gets hurt."
End