Arrest in relation to Counties Manukau Armed Robberies

Yesterday Police executed search warrants at ten addresses in Counties Manukau in relation to seven aggravated robberies committed in June and July 2011 in Otahuhu, Otara and East Tamaki.

A 16 year-old male will be appearing in the Manukau Youth Court today facing charges in relation to five of the robberies.

Several items of interest were also found during yesterday's search warrants and enquiries are continuing in regard to the identity and whereabouts of several other offenders involved in the robberies.

Details of the robberies:

• 14 June at the TAB in Otahuhu • 22 June at Kiwi Bank, Dawson Road, Otara • 23 June at Kiwi Bank, Great South Road, Otahuhu • 27 June at Gracie's Place on Queen Street, Otahuhu • 2 July at the TAB on Ormiston Road, East Tamaki • 7 July at the Wanderers Bar in East Tamaki • 14 July at the Junction Bar, Springs Road, East Tamaki

The search warrants executed yesterday followed weeks of work on the investigation by the Counties Manukau Major Crime team. The robberies attracted significant media interest and Police are appreciative of the response from the public generated as a result of this.

Police have not located the distinctive Lee Enfield Bolt-action .303 calibre rifle that was used in five of the robberies.

If you have any information that could help Police locate this firearm, or any other information relating to these robberies please contact Detective Michael Bushell on 09 262 9112 or Detective Sergeant John Love on 09 262 9173. Alternatively you can call Crime-stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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