‘Not a safe place’: Business owner shattered after store ram raided a third time

The owner of a West Auckland petrol station ram-raided overnight says the country is not safe to live in.

This was the third time the business had been hit.

The GAS station on Kaurilands Rd in Titirangi was ram-raided early this morning. Two cars were involved.

Owner Kanna Sharma said he was “shattered” when he learned of the latest raid.

“It happened around 2am. I received a call from our alarm company that the security system had gone off. They informed the police and we got to know that the shop had been ram-raided.

“The glass is shattered, and the grille has been damaged in the front.

“There were around three or four offenders who entered the shop. And it involved two cars - a white and a green one.

“I am shattered. New Zealand is no more a safe place to live, and it is not worth doing business here. Especially for small retailers like me, it is hard to survive. There is no support from anyone.”

Security footage showed a green car ramming into the front door of the shop at least three times before managing to break it.

A masked thief dressed in black can be seen entering the store going behind the counter and returning with some products.

Sharma said the thieves stole cigarettes, vapes and many more products, which he was yet to establish.

A police spokesperson said officers were called to the GAS station on Kaurilands Rd shortly after 2am, where it is believed a car was used to gain entry.

“Those involved have left the area in a second vehicle.

“Inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances of what has occurred, including establishing what has been taken.”

Anyone with information that might help is asked to contact the police via the 105 phone service, or online at using Update My Report, reference file number 230105/5284.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.