Could the Commonwealth Games be held at home in 2034? Parliament Protest review to be revealed and police plea for the public's help in Rangiora homicide in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald
Armed robbers disguised as police officers have targeted three students in Auckland, taking their personal belongings including cash and car keys.
A police spokesperson said a group of men entered the student’s home in Birkenhead, threatened them and took a number of items on April 13.
University student Ivan, who requested only his first name be used, returned home just after midnight to find his flat turned upside down and his two flatmates fearing for their lives after a confrontation with the fake cops.
“[My flatmate] just told me, we’ve been robbed.
“Three guys... they just knocked on our door and they were wearing all the police uniform, they had [a lot] of gear and they showed my roommates a search warrant,” Ivan said.
Two of the fake officers searched the home while one of the thieves stayed with the students, pretending to question them.”
“They said that somebody said there are some illegal firearms in our home, so they have to search,” Ivan said.
A range of high-value items were stolen, including $15,000 in cash that was supposed to pay for one of the student’s university fees and two airsoft guns.
“My phone [was stolen], my backpack and some jewellery, two rings and one necklace,” Ivan said.
The police arrived around 30 minutes after the thieves left and the group of students ended up not being able to return home for two days while police searched the property and looked for fingerprints.
“When I went into the home, it was really terrible,” Ivan said.
Fingerprint powder had been left all over the floors and walls of the home by police, and the students stayed up all night cleaning it while trying to put the house back together after the theft.
After the police investigated the home fingerprint powder was left on the floors and belongings, the students say. Photo / Supplied.
Police confirmed a forensic examination was conducted on the morning of April 14.
“Police continue to make inquiries in relation to the matter, there is no further information available at this time,” a police spokesperson said.
Ivan, a Chinese international student who has been living in New Zealand for seven years, said the sheer number of items stolen and damaged has impacted the group’s ability to study and return to living a normal life.
“We know how the New Zealand police officers look and they just looked like the real police,” Ivan said.
Ivan he and his roommates fear the robbers will return because they stole their car keys during the raid, but left the cars behind.
Another man connected to flat told the Herald he thought the intruders had pepper spray and guns on them.
“Individuals dressed in police uniforms claimed to be law enforcement officials and entered a residence inhabited by international students,” the man told the Herald.
“These individuals proceeded to rob the students, resulting in a significant loss of cash and the theft of several vehicles.”
“This incident has caused great concern and shock, as it not only threatens the safety and wellbeing of the victims but also undermines public trust in law enforcement.”
The students home was turned upside down by the thieves who stole several belongings. Photo / Supplied.
Police enquiries are now underway and anyone who may have information can contact the police via 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.
