Thieves throw tyre iron through store window in early morning burglary

A Mt Albert cafe and a supermarket are the latest victims of break-ins this morning.

Around 5.17am, police received a report of two people attempting to force entry through a storefront on Alberton Ave, Mt Albert.

“The pair allegedly also broke a window of a cafe next door on New North Rd. Police attended, but the offenders had left,” a spokesperson said.

“Inquiries are ongoing to locate the offenders and determine if anything was stolen.”

New World Fresh Collective and The Little French Cafe Mt Albert were broken into by thieves this morning. Photo / Supplied

Little French Cafe Mt Albert’s manager told the Herald a staff member was opening the store around 5am when she noticed commotion outside which was unusual.

“She went outside to check and saw the thieves. She got scared and ran inside and locked herself in the back kitchen.

“The thief wanted to scare her so they threw something at her through the window.”

Thieves used a tyre iron to break into two shops in Mt Albert, Auckland this morning. Photo / Supplied

“It has been happening more and more in our neighbourhood nowadays,” the manager said.

“The New World Fresh Collective next door was also broken into; they stole some wine and candies.”

Last night staff members at a Pizza Hut store in Glen Innes were held up by armed robbers just before their closing time.

Auckland CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Brand said police had been seeking information from the public following a serious incident at a commercial address in Glen Innes on Sunday January 8.

“Around 11pm, police responded to reports of an aggravated robbery on Taniwha St.

“It’s understood two men have entered the premises with weapons and threatened the staff member, taking an amount of cash from the till before leaving the area on foot.

“While there are no injuries to report, those involved are understandably shaken and Police are providing support to them.”

At this stage, the inquiries were ongoing to locate those responsible, Brand said.

“Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online or by using Update My Report.

“Please reference file number 230109/9167.

“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A Restaurant Brands spokesperson said Sunday night’s incident was particularly distressing to hear as their highest priority was always the safety and wellbeing of their people and customers at the stores.

“Our focus is now on supporting our franchisee and the staff that were involved. As this matter is with the Police we are unable to provide any further comment.”