Young children witness armed robbery
[Photos: Young children witness armed robbery | New Zealand Police]

Monday, 26 May 2014 - 11:48am

Bay of Plenty

Three primary school children were buying lollies in a Rotorua shop at the weekend when it was robbed by armed men.

It was one of two robberies believed to have been committed by the same offenders.

The first incident occurred at Jerams’ Superertte on Te Ngae Street at approximately 3.20pm on Saturday (24 May). Two men armed with weapons confronted the shop owner while another went out the back of the shop. The three men stole cash and personal jewellery items before leaving in a silver Mazda Familia which had a fourth man driving.

No one was injured but the occupants of the shop, including the children who were told to sit on the floor and be quiet, were left shaken by the robbery.

Around the same time the following day (Sunday, 25 May) one man in a balaclava entered St Andrews Superette on Otonga Road. He grabbed the till and was again seen to get into a silver Mazda Familia containing at least one other person.

The Mazda believed to have been involved in both robberies was located abandoned in Ti Street, Rotorua at approximately 7pm last night. The vehicle had been stolen from Auckland on Thursday, 22 May.

Detective John Hope said: “Aggravated robberies are crimes that often leave victims traumatised. The fact that these offenders showed no hesitation in committing this particular robbery in front of three very young children is despicable.”

If you have any information about the two robberies Police want to hear from you. Police also want to hear from anyone in the Ti Street/Fenton Street area between 3.30pm and 7pm on Saturday who saw the Mazda being abandoned or any other suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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