Security footage reveals well-planned heist of motorbikes

Five people dressed in a similar way with their faces covered were involved in a smash-and-grab raid on a Whangārei motorbike business. Photo/ Supplied

A smash-and-grab raid on a Whangārei motorbike business was well-planned, police say after viewing security camera footage of the brazen theft.

Five motocross bikes, worth a total of close to $65,000 were taken from Yamaha Motorcycles on Port Rd about 3.40am on Monday.

Detective Ryan Cooper said three stolen motor vehicles, including a white truck, were used during the burglary.

After looking security camera footage it was clear there were five masked offenders who smashed through the front windows and loaded the five bikes into the rear of the truck.

"This was a well planned burglary, the offenders have taken time to steel three vehicles from three separate locations and have all dressed similar, paying careful consideration to covering their faces."

Five people dressed in a similar way with their faces covered before smashing into a Whangārei bike shop.

Cooper said the truck left at speed, and camera footage from the area indicates the offending vehicles were driven back towards town and turned left on to Okara Dr, then on to Porowini Av and then left onto Kaka St.

Police discovered the stolen truck, which had earlier been taken from outside an address on Otaika Rd, along with the two other stolen vehicles on the Corner of Isola St and Raumanga Heights Dr.

"The owners of the bike shop are extremely hardworking people. No one deserves to be treated like this, especially this time of year and I am sure that someone out there knows something about this burglary," Cooper said.

None of the five Yamaha bikes - four new and one second hand - have been recovered. Each of the bikes were valued between $12,000 and $13,000.

"Police are urging members of the public to come forward to the police who may have information in regards to the burglary and warn that anyone caught with any of the stolen motorbikes will be held accountable."

If you can help police call Detective Ryan Cooper on 021 191 5935 or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.