Hamilton Serial Aggravated Robberies
New Zealand Police National News Release
4:13pm 1 September 2008
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4278

31 August 2008

Hamilton Police working to solve a series of aggravated robberies across the city over recent months believe the3 public hold the key to identifying those responsible.

Detective Sergeant Neville Ross of North Hamilton CIB said that between 31 May and 24 August there had been 16 aggravated robberies across the city which Police believed had similarities in the way they were carried out.

"Because of these similarities we're not ruling anything out, so far a total of 8 people have been arrested in relation to 4 different robberies over this period of time."

"The latest robbery happened last Sunday when two robbers, described as male Maoris, armed with a knife and a meat cleaver demanded cash and cigarettes from the attendant at the Caltex Service Station on Avalon Dr.

Mr Ross said Police were keen to resolve the other robberies before someone was seriously hurt or worse.

"While we are interested in solving all the unsolved robberies these 7 photos clearly show offenders committing robberies of service stations and we hope someone may recognise those responsible.

"Each incident happened at times when friends or relatives should be aware the offenders weren't around and they may recall them reappearing flush with cash, cigarettes or tobacco," said Mr Ross.

Mr Ross said Police were asking for nominations from the public in regards to any suspicions they may have about people or the identity of those involved.

"People can leave nominations anonymously via the 0800 Busthem (0800 287843) or they can phone me via the Hamilton North Community Policing Centre on 07 8546105.

"Alternatively if people have information on cigarettes and tobacco being sold or offered for sale at schools, neighbourhoods, licensed premises or markets we would like to hear from them."

ENDS

[images at http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4278]

Photo A (31/05/08 - 2055 hours) BP Rototuna

Three male Maori's enter the store armed with a pistol and knife demanding cash and cigarettes.

Photo B (19/06/08 - 1932 hours) Challenge Lake Road

Two male Maori's enter the store armed with pistols demanding cash and cigarettes.

Photo C (21/06/08 - 2018 hours) Video Ezy Te Rapa

Two male Maori's enter the store one of which is armed with a knife. One male demands cash and slaps female attendant before leaving with no property.

Photo D (07/07/08 - 2050 hours) BP Te Rapa

Two males enter the store armed with a knife demanding cash and cigarettes.

Photo E (19/07/08 - 2113 hours) Caltex Naylor Street

Three males enter store armed with a knife and hammer demanding cash and cigarettes.

Photo F (15/08/08 - 2039 hours) BP Te Rapa

Two male Maori's enter store both armed with knives demanding cash and cigarettes.

Photo G (24/08/08 - 0330 hours) Caltex Avalon Drive

Two male Maori's approach attendant while he comes out of the store for cigarette. Males armed with a knife and meat cleaver and demand cash and cigarettes.

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