Police have made arrests — including a 13-year-old boy — after an investigation into three aggravated robberies at Auckland jewellery stores revealed they were linked.
Kayson’s Fashion Store in Glen Eden was robbed on March 16 and the Krishna Jewellery Store in Papatoetoe and Michael Hill at Mānawa Bay were both hit on March 23.
Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said two arrests were made in recent days and further investigations were ongoing.
“We are concerned with the violent actions of this group.
“Our teams are still actively searching for the other offenders involved so that they can be held accountable.”
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with the aggravated robbery at Mānawa Bay, while a 24-year-old man has been charged with being a party to the aggravated robbery for the offending at Glen Eden.
Police also obtained a warrant to arrest for another young man and appealed for information on his whereabouts.
Dillinger Tautari, 18, has a warrant for his arrest for the aggravated robbery at Michael Hill Mānawa Bay.
Harrison said Tautari had links across the Auckland region and was “actively avoiding police”.
“Anyone who sights Dillinger should not approach him and instead contact police immediately.”
Reassurance patrols were being carried out around jewellery stores, Harrison said.
“We know the brazen nature of this offending concerns retail staff and the wider public.
“Our staff will be engaging with retailers, and as part of this presence will speak with them about how they can keep themselves, their staff and premises safe.”
