Police call for help after two aggravated robberies in Hamilton area

A member of the public filmed the alleged offenders moving goods from a white Subaru into a gold SUV. Photo/Supplied

A petrol station near Hamilton was robbed and the assistant assaulted on Sunday morning, while a man was violently set upon by a group of youths in Hamilton city centre the previous week, police say.

Waikato Police said early yesterday morning a BP petrol station assistant was assaulted by three people armed with a metal bar and hammer.

Three people entered the station in Horotiu, just off the new bypass interchange north of the city, around 3.15am after threatening the sole attendant to open up.

The attendant was assaulted, and then hid while the young offenders stole cash and cigarettes.

The suspects were driving a stolen white Subaru sedan with the registration number JWZ71. The car was recovered on Thomas St, Ngaruawahia, shortly after the robbery and with its engine still running.

A person nearby saw the activity and recorded it on their phone. Three males and a female were seen unloading items from the boot of the white Subaru into the rear of a gold-coloured SUV.

Information can be given to Waikato Police on 07 859 7807, or to Detective Neville Ross on 0211910974.

Police also want information about an aggravated robbery in Hamilton city centre on March 19.

Around 2.35am a man walking on Anglesea St near the Ward St intersection was approached by a group of 10-15 young people. Two of the youths - one wearing a blue shirt with a white number 22 on it, and one wearing a black shirt - assaulted the man, punching him in the head and face.

The man tried to run away but fell over. Several of the group then punched and kicked him while he was on the ground. They then stole his wallet and fled the scene.

Anyone with information can call Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.