Three teenage boys have been arrested and charged following the aggravated robbery of an Auckland jewellery store on Sunday evening.
One person was seriously injured during the robbery at Pooja Jewellers on Kolmar Rd in Papatoetoe.
Footage supplied to 1News showed the offenders enter the store carrying what appeared to be hammers before being confronted by a man who received a heavy blow to the head.
As the thieves rushed to grab items, another staff member brandished a large sword and proceeded to challenge the offenders with it as they retreated from the store.
The man was taken to hospital in a serious condition, but is now stable.
Four teenagers – including two 15-year-olds, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old – were arrested today as part of a police investigation into five aggravated robberies across Auckland this month.
Three boys – aged 15, 16, and 17 – have been charged with aggravated robbery with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following “the aggravated robbery on Sunday evening”, Detective Inspector Karen Bright said.
The 16-year-old is facing an additional charge of aggravated assault, while the 15-year-old is also facing a charge of assault.
All three will be seen in the Manukau Youth Court.
Bright said the 15-year-old charged over the Papatoetoe incident is also being charged with two aggravated robberies and an aggravated burglary that occurred in Mt Roskill and Sandringham earlier this month.
The second 15-year-old male has been charged with the aggravated robbery of a New Windsor superette on June 8.
Bright said investigations are still ongoing, and further arrests are likely.
“Let’s be clear, the violent behaviour we have seen play out is totally unacceptable,” she said.
“Investigators have worked diligently in recent days and weeks to identify those allegedly responsible and we are continuing to hold them to account.”