Thieves swarm Auckland Michael Hill store in smash-and-grab

Sunday, 28 April 2024

A Michael Hill store in Auckland has been targeted by five thieves in a brazen smash-and-grab on Sunday afternoon.

The group smashed cabinets and took off with a number of items before fleeing in a vehicle which was located by police at Regents Park a short time later.

Police said the offenders then escaped in a second vehicle which has not yet been located.

Police were called to Westgate’s NorthWest Shopping Centre 3.45pm, after receiving reports of an aggravated robbery at the mall.

“At this time no injuries are reported, police are making enquiries to determine the circumstances of the incident and locate the offenders,” a spokesperson said.

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The same Michael Hill store was attacked in a 2022 smash and grab.

The police’s Operation Dusk, dedicated to investigating recent offending at jewellery stores, would assess whether the incident is connected to other robberies of jewellery stores in the Auckland City area.

Police said they would continue to have an increased presence in and around shopping centres and malls, and prioritise prevention patrols over the coming weeks.

Anyone who has phone footage of this afternoon’s incident or information that would assist with enquiries is urged to call 105 or report online at 105.police.govt.nz clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 240412/0735

Alternatively, call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Last week, a group of alleged thieves were seen dashing through Dress Smart Onehunga after a Michael Hill store at the centre was robbed.