Ram-raid thieves have torn through a shopping centre in East Auckland overnight - leaving behind a gaping hole at one of the mall’s entrances.
Staff at the Pakuranga Plaza, on Aylesbury St, will be faced with the severe damage early this morning after the incident late last night.
Police, a security guard and at least one staff member from the plaza were at the scene about midnight.
They could be seen surveying the damage caused by a vehicle that smashed through one of the plaza’s entrances before ramming through a jewellery shop inside.
The vehicle involved was left abandoned inside and was towed away shortly afterwards. Shattered glass littered the ground.
A police spokesperson said the burglary was reported around 11.50pm last night.
A “number of items” were taken before the offenders fled on foot.
“Police are committed to locating those responsible and holding them to account and our enquiries are well underway,” the spokesperson said.
“Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service.”
Member of Parliament for Pakuranga, National’s Simeon Brown, said it was “appalling” to see his local plaza targeted.
“We need clear consequences for the young people committing these crimes which National will deliver so we restore law and order in New Zealand.”
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.