This week two men were held in relation to the aggravated robbery of the Gull service station in Omahu Rd on September 27. The men, aged 23 and 20, appeared in the Hastings and Tauranga district courts and were remanded in custody.
Detective Jeff Foley of the Hawke's Bay CIB said of significant concern was that knives were carried, if not brandished, during their offending. "Cigarettes, tobacco and cash were targeted in all the robberies. Inquiries are continuing into identified persons who received, purchased stolen cigarettes and tobacco.
"It is apparent stolen cigarettes and tobacco are being sold on Facebook and through word of mouth," Mr Foley said.
"The arrests were assisted by information supplied by members of the public through Crime Stoppers and calls to the police in response to previous CCTV footage published in newspapers and social media. We are now seeking the public's help in relation to three unsolved robberies"
About 6.20am on Tuesday, September 6, a male entered the Mobil service station in Pakowhai Rd, Stortford Lodge, in Hastings.
He is described as a Maori, wearing a striped, hooded sweatshirt with a long black top under it, a grey beanie under the hood, tan chino pants, and black sneakers with white soles.
The robber was carrying a long black shoulder bag with a white stripe.
He showed the attendant he had a knife and obtained a quantity of cash and cigarettes before leaving the station.
In an earlier robbery at the same Mobil service station at 9pm on August 14, a male arrived on a scooter, armed with a pistol, and made threats to the attendant.
The intruder left the store after robbing the attendant of a quantity of cigarettes.
The offender is described as a male Maori, 20-30 years of age, of skinny build, possibly with a moustache.
He wore a black jacket, black trousers and black and white shoes.
The third robbery occurred over the weekend at a Waipukurau service station.
About 4am on Sunday, a male entered the Mobil service station on Takapau Rd.
On entering, he brandished a knife at the female attendant.
After threatening the victim, he helped himself to a small quantity of cash from the cash register and also collected a quantity of cigarettes before leaving the premises.
This person is described as possibly of Pacific Island descent, with a medium build, and wearing dark clothing and a cap.
* Any information can be passed to Detective Paul Buckley at HB Police on 06 831 0700 or to the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
