Smokes, till found in vehicle
A night-time worker fled to the safety of the back room when robbers smashed their way into the Hamilton gas station overnight.
Police were yesterday examining the scene of the smash and grab at the Mobil service station at the intersection of Clyde St and Peachgrove Rd.
Around 2.10am four offenders used weapons to smash the front window of the gas station, Waikato police Senior Sergeant Phil Ruddell said.
‘‘Once inside they have stolen the till and cigarettes while the sole attendant hid in the back room and was uninjured.’’
A stolen Subaru Forrester used in the robbery was recovered a short time later in Melville, Ruddell said. The empty till and cigarette trays were found inside.
A second car linked to the crime was also dumped near the high school in Nga¯ruawa¯hia, he said. Both vehicles were seized by police and would undergo forensic testing. CIB were at the scene, obtaining footage of the incident, Ruddell said.
Meanwhile two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, were arrested after allegedly burgling Merv’s superette on Ohaupo Rd overnight. Three people broke through glass to get into the store at 11.30pm Sunday before stealing the till.
Police responded after the alarm sounded, Ruddell said, and through inquiries tracked two of the teens to their homes where they were arrested. They were both due to appear in Hamilton Youth Court yesterday.
Police were still looking to track down the third person involved.