Rotorua robberies to feature on crime show

Two aggravated robberies in Rotorua will feature on Police Ten-7 this week as the investigation team looks to track the movements of two stolen vehicles linked to the robberies.

Jerams’ Superette on Te Ngae Road was robbed on the afternoon of Saturday, 24 May with St Andrews Superette on Otonga Road, Springfield robbed 24 hours later.

A silver Mazda Familia, stolen from Auckland on Thursday, 22 May, was caught on security camera at both robberies. That vehicle was later found abandoned on Ti Street. A second stolen vehicle, a red Mazda MPV which is also believed to be linked to the investigation, was recovered after crashing as it fled from police on Monday, 26 May.

Although five teenagers from Auckland and Rotorua have been arrested and charged with a variety of unrelated offences, no one has yet been charged in relation to the robberies.

Police Ten-7 presenter Graham Bell has revisited the scene of the Jerams’ Superette robbery with Detective Karin Staunton. It is hoped that the appeal, which will go to air this Thursday at 7.30pm on TV2, will bring forward more witness information, particularly in relation the movements of the two stolen vehicles.

“Three little kids happened to be in the shop at the time and were terrified,” says Graham Bell. “It shows what cowardly thugs these offenders are. People do get indignant about these crimes and they do care, and we want to do what we can to help.”

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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