Info sought after petrol station ram raid at Karapiro

The Mobil service station at Karapiro was ram raided in the early hours of Monday morning. Photo/Google Maps

Police investigating a ram raid at the Mobil service station in Karapiro in the early hours of Monday are seeking information from the public.

At 12.40am five people, believed to be youths, drove a stolen white Mazda Atenza, registration number HFL43, through the front doors to gain access to the shop.

Two of the offenders carried bats, one of which was described as a baseball bat, Detective Sergeant Neville Ross said.

The sole employee was chased into the back of the store and sought refuge at the rear of the premises while cigarettes were stolen.

The offenders then fled the scene in a second stolen car, a yellow Mazda Atenza, registration number CPJ6, which was later found abandoned a short distance down the road.

Police now believe a third stolen vehicle, a silver Mazda registration FYT67 was also used in the aggravated robbery.

The White Mazda Atenza sustained a puncture in the front right tyre before the incident.

The offenders then changed that tyre somewhere in the Hillcrest area of Hamilton. It was replaced with a space saver, Ross said.

The original tyre was discarded by the offenders but has not yet been recovered by police.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen people changing the tyre of a white Mazda Atenza in this area to contact Detective Bernie Kelly at Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200.

"We'd also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the three vehicles, travelling separately or together, in the wider Hillcrest and Karapiro areas early on Monday morning," Ross said.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.