Two people have been arrested after the alleged aggravated burglary of a Michael Hill store in Whakatāne.
Police said a vehicle allegedly involved in the burglary has been recovered and is being forensically examined.
Two men, aged 20 and 21, are due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court tomorrow charged with aggravated burglary.
Further charges are being considered.
“Police are continuing to make inquiries to locate people involved, and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or anybody with video footage from the area,” Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Clements said.
“We understand the effects this has had on the victims who were in the store at the time.
“Victim support is working with the staff.”
The latest incident comes days after the jeweller announced it is ramping up security across stores after two robberies in Auckland last month.
It includes measures such as smash-proof assault glass, fog cannons, alarm screamers, personal alarms for staff, additional security cameras and the use of DNA spray technology.
Chief executive Daniel Bracken said the key priority for the business is ensuring the protection of team members, customers and visitors.