Five people will face court today after an aggravated robbery at a Pokeno liquor shop last night.
Police responded to the Market Road store after 6pm, where a group of masked offenders entered the store and stole alcohol.
They were carrying a number of weapons including a pistol, shotgun and an axe.
Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Joe Hunter says Police responded immediately to the area.
¡°The five masked offenders initially fled in a vehicle which they abandoned nearby.
¡°As our staff arrived into the area, they sited another vehicle driving at high speed and continuing south on State Highway One.¡±
A pursuit of the vehicle was abandoned, but at this stage the Police Air Support Unit was overhead and keeping a watching eye.
¡°Eagle monitored this vehicle heading into the Meremere area and it was located abandoned on Emere Place.
¡°A dog unit was deployed into the area and successfully tracked to a nearby address.¡±
Five young people were taken into custody at the address, aged between 13 and 15.
¡°Police staff conducted a search at the address and we have recovered the stolen alcohol, along with masks and the weapons allegedly used in this incident,¡± Inspector Hunter says.
¡°It is pleasing we have been able to apprehend these alleged offenders. Police take this offending seriously and we will utilise our tools and resources to ensure we hold offending to account.¡±
¡°I¡¯m conscious this is a second aggravated robbery in recent weeks at this store, and we will continue to ensure there is support in place for our business community.¡±
Those five will face the Manukau Youth Court, charged with aggravated robbery along with charges relating to the theft of a motor vehicle.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/51½ÖÉä