Napier Farmers store targeted in early morning break-in

Farmers is the latest Napier store to be targeted in a break-in which a nearby business owner says is happening too often across the city.

The break-in, early on Monday, follows a ram raid at Napier’s Jaycar electronics store last week and a ram raid at Ahuriri Corner Store earlier this month.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said it was disappointing whenever businesses were affected by break-ins, and the council was working alongside the police to prevent crime through the likes of CCTV support and Napier Assist patrols.

Police were called to Farmers Napier on Hastings St in the CBD around 6am on Monday, following the break-in earlier that morning.

A police spokesperson said it appeared a vehicle was used to gain access to the business.

Damage to the front door after Napier Farmers was broken into. Photo / Warren Buckland

There was visible damage to a main entrance, which appeared to have been forced open.

The metal base of the doors was damaged and twisted but there was no smashed glass visible.

Police did not say what was stolen and the shop re-opened at 10am.

Adoro Cafe owner Manish Kumar, whose business is directly opposite Farmers Napier, said he arrived at his business to see Farmers staff outside the damaged department store.

Kumar said break-ins were a big concern for business owners.

”The problem is it is happening a lot.”

Napier Farmers was broken into. Photo / Gary Hamilton-Irvine

He said another store opposite them, Kathmandu, was also broken into last February.

He said there were news reports that ram raids were reducing, but he was not convinced it was any safer to run a business now compared to last year.

”As a business, I still have the same concerns … it is a worry.”

Kumar said liquor stores being targeted was one thing but for break-ins to be happening even at a Farmers was “next level”.

He said it was a tough period to be running a business without the level of crime.

”It feels like why do you bother to open the doors [some days].”

A Farmers Napier staff member declined to comment, and Farmers NZ was also contacted for comment.

No arrests had been made as of Monday afternoon, and police inquiries were ongoing.

Wise said break-ins had a big impact on workers and business owners, as well as their customers.

“This is a national concern and for Hawke’s Bay it is disappointing whenever businesses are affected by crime,” she said

“With police as the lead agency on crime, we work closely with them and other agencies on safety in our community.

“Council supports through CCTV and Napier Assist Āwhina Tāngata [a team of dedicated patrol officers who help keep the CBD safe].”

She said “we do need to put this in perspective too” and “there are many businesses and shopping precincts that have not been affected and who welcome customers safely and securely every day”.

“Napier is a great place to do business and to shop, dine and enjoy all that the region has to offer safely.”

The owner of Ahuriri Corner Store, who did not want to be named, said they were ram-raided earlier this month – for the third time in 18 months.

He said they had a fog cannon, which helped, and the offenders were only able to get away with some Coca-Cola. He said they did not have cigarettes on the premises any longer either.

However, he said the ram raid caused a lot of damage.

He said they were currently applying through the council to get bollards installed, which they had been unsuccessful in applying for in the past.