"Manawatu Police launch operation focused on aggravated robberies"

In direct response to aggravated robberies at premises across Manawatu in recent months, Police have launched Operation Star.

Op Star is a multi-faceted response with a team dedicated to investigating the recent robberies and ensuring business owners and people across our community are best prepared to protect themselves from crime.

“The primary target for these robberies has been our local dairies and service stations, family owned businesses which are an important part of our communities,” says Detective Jaz Woollett, the lead investigator in the Op Star team.

“Aggravated robberies are vicious crimes, the trauma they cause should not be underestimated.

“Our team is determined to identify the offenders behind these hideous crimes and hold them to account.

“As well as this, prevention teams will be working closely with dairy and service station owners and their employees to share prevention advice and teach them what to do if they are targeted.”

The Operation Star team want the people of Manawatu to get behind them and realise they can help too.

“One of the best crime prevention tools is community.

We know who is a neighbour and who is a regular visitor to our local community – so we encourage people to use that knowledge,” says Detective Woollett.

“If you recognise people unfamiliar to your area hanging around your local dairy or service station, or if you see someone acting suspiciously, we need you to let us know.

“Don’t hesitate to call Palmerston North Police on 06 351 2600, your information could be incredibly useful to us.

“If you witness a crime occurring, make sure you’re safe and call 111 immediately.

“These offenders are targeting innocent, hardworking people who provide an essential service to us from early in the morning to late in the evenings, seven days a week.

We need to be there for them,” says Detective Woollett.

“We need your help to identify these offenders so Operation Star can help keep our communities safe.”

If you have information about the recent aggravated robberies in Manawatu which may be of use to Police, ring us on 06 351 2600 or send a private message to our Facebook page.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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