Three people have been arrested after an aggravated robbery in Rotorua involving weapons and a stolen vehicle.
Police said offenders, armed with a machete and other weapons, entered the Te Ngai Road Caltex Service Station in Owhata, Rotorua at about 6am this morning.
“They threatened a staff member, stole cash, vape products and cigarettes.
“The offenders then left in a stolen vehicle which they dumped nearby.”
Police said the vehicle was stolen from Hamilton. It was recovered and would be returned to its owner.
After police were alerted to the location of the vehicle, a dog and handler tracked the previous occupants of the vehicle to a nearby address.
Police said the arrested trio were from Rotorua and Hamilton.
Rotorua area prevention manager inspector Phil Gillbanks said police would like to thank members of the public who were “alert enough to notice suspicious activity and call police right away”.
“It is good to be able to recover the stolen items, including the vehicle used, and make these arrests.
“It is very lucky no one was injured.”
