Burglars hit small businesses

Dargaville Honda was one of four businesses targeted in a series of attempted burglaries.

A Dargaville superette which was severely damaged after a vehicle rammed into it was one of four Northland business targeted in a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries.

The Victoria St Superette, Dargaville Honda, Ruakaka Gas station and Towai Gas station were all targeted in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police are looking into whether there is a link between the four incidents.

In one burglary, the Victoria St Superette in Dargaville suffered major damage when a vehicle was used to ram the front of the shop. Police said it was unknown what products were taken from the store.

Police said at Ruakaka Gas station there was a failed attempt to steal a standalone ATM machine, while north of Whangarei offenders broke into and stole cigarettes from the Towai Gas station.

Bruce McKenzie's business, Dargaville Honda in Jervois St, was also a target. Offenders tried to enter the store, however when they shattered the glass in a door the alarm was tripped and the offenders ran away, Mr McKenzie said.

"This is our fifth [burglary or attempted burglary] over the years. Once we lost around $25,000 worth of bikes," he said.

Mr McKenzie said CCTV footage captured a white Mazda truck at the premises just before 1am. Northland area prevention manager Senior Sergeant John Fagan said police were tracking the movements of a stolen white Mazda truck which was recovered by police near the outskirts of Dargaville.

This white Mazda truck was captured by CCTV footage at Dargaville Honda on Tuesday morning.

Mr Fagan said CCTV footage was being reviewed and police were looking into the exact timeline of events and how many offenders might have been involved in the incidents.

"We are obviously interested to hear from anyone who may have information relating to these crimes or regarding any person who may be selling cigarettes. Someone out there will know who is responsible and have knowledge of [these] events," he said.

- Anyone with information can contact Whangarei police station on (09) 430 4500 or can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.