Offenders have smashed and barged their way into at least five stores in Hawke’s Bay in a three-hour early morning crime wave, leaving retailers “shaken” and picking up the pieces.
Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said the incidents, believed to be linked, began at 4.25am on Wednesday, and included threats to staff at the one business open at the time.
The first attempted burglary was at Te Mata Four Square in Havelock North. The offenders, in a Mazda Demio, smashed the store’s glass but left empty-handed because they were unable to get into the cigarette cabinet.
About 5am, the suspects attempted to break into a second store on the corner of Bridge Street and Waghorne Streets, Ahuriri, Patrick said.