Instant rough justice - clothes optional

Naked and pyjama-clad residents rushed to the aid of a businessman fending off night raiders at his service station yesterday morning.

Nearby residents in Turakina, 21km south-east of Wanganui, rushed from their beds when the service station alarm sounded at 3am, to find the men ransacking the station.

The group of alleged offenders drove off, running into the owner and onlookers.

The service station owner was taken to Wanganui Hospital with a gash to the head, Sergeant Tracy Patterson said.

One of the alleged offenders, a 17-year-old man, was also hit by the car and taken to hospital.

He has been arrested.

Another woman was also hit.

Mrs Patterson praised the residents - about five households - for their "fantastic" response.

"Turakina is no longer an easy target," she said.

"I think they will be too scared to come back."

Mrs Patterson said the three or four offenders drove toward Wanganui in a dark-coloured Ford Falcon.

Some of its windows were smashed during the incident.

She said a couple of residents tried to chase the vehicle as it headed toward Wanganui.

It is understood that the service station owners have been targeted by criminals from Marton, who have been stealing petrol and harassing staff.

This time the couple lost a few cigarettes and a night's sleep.

Mrs Patterson said police had several strong lines of inquiry.

She said Turakina residents were no longer prepared to put up with crime in their town.

- NZPA