Police suspect link between robberies

CCTV images of the aggravated robbery. Photo / Supplied

An aggravated robbery in South Auckland at the weekend could be linked to four others in the city in recent weeks, police say.

The latest target was a TAB in Ormiston Rd, Flatbush. Three people burst in and confronted a female attendant at 10.30am on Saturday, one of them pointing a rifle at her while demanding money.

Counties Manukau police spokeswoman Natalie Swart said the woman was not physically harmed but was left shaken.

Ms Swart said police could not rule out a link between Saturday's robbery and others in South Auckland and in Auckland city where the rifle used was quite distinctive.

Police are now reviewing the past cases - which includes examining CCTV footage - to determine if a link to other robberies in other parts of Auckland exists.

A fourth person took part in Saturday's robbery and waited
outside in a stolen Toyota Premacy registration EZA117.

Ms Swart said that although there had been several aggravated robberies reported recently, there had been no "spike" overall.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police or anonymously phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.