Two men were arrested in Tauranga during the early hours of this morning after allegedly breaking into a store with a hammer and stealing $15,000 worth of watches and sunglasses.
Police were called to Fraser Cove Shopping Centre at around 1.20am.
Inspector Clifford Paxton said the duo were seen in a stolen Mazda parked at the store entrance, with hoods covering their heads and faces.
They allegedly used a hammer to break into the store before stealing an “array” of high-value sunglasses and watches worth a total of $15,000 into duffle bags.
“The pair ran from the shop, decamped in the stolen Mazda and drove from Fraser St into Lloyd St,” Paxton said.
Officers found the Mazda in Lloyd St, abandoned with a smashed window and damaged ignition barrel.
“Inquiries were made at an address in Welcome Bay and the offenders were located at their home with the duffle bags filled with stolen watches and sunglasses,” Paxton said.
“CCTV footage and some thorough police work has helped identity and locate the men quickly and without incident.”
Two people, aged 22 and 24, were arrested, and both appeared in the Tauranga District Court this morning.
The stolen property has been returned to the owners.
“This is a great result for our community and our staff and it’s satisfying to be able return property of this value to a business that’s been targeted,” Paxton said.
“We understand the effect burglaries and prolific offending can have on the retail businesses in our community and are committed to holding offenders to account.
“In this case, CCTV was able to help us catch the offenders quickly however it’s timely to remind everyone: if you see any suspicious activity or witness any unlawful incidents, contact Police via 111 if it’s happening now, or if it’s already happened you can make an online report at 105.police.govt.nz.”