Takapuna Woolworths robbery: Staff left cowering in back room before pursuit sees car hit tree

A dramatic early morning high-speed pursuit across the city involving the Eagle helicopter and the police dog unit ended when the offenders’ car hit a tree.

Night-shift staff at a Woolworths store on Auckland’s North Shore were left hiding in a back room after balaclava-clad offenders smashed their way through the front door of the closed supermarket.

Police were called at 1.35am today to Woolworths on Barry’s Point Rd in Takapuna. They arrived just as the offenders were leaving.

Police arrived on the scene at Woolworths on Barry's Point Rd in Takapuna as the offenders were attempting to leave. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Detective Sergeant Mark Wardlaw of Waitematā CIB said a group of four offenders wearing balaclavas allegedly forced their way into the supermarket and stole a number of items and cash.

”Staff who were present at the time had to lock themselves in a back room during the ordeal.”

Police units arrived as the offenders were leaving the carpark. Their car then drove into one of the police cars. No one was injured.

The offenders then took off and a pursuit ensued over the Harbour Bridge through central Auckland. It was subsequently abandoned due to the risk posed by dangerous driving.

”Eagle was able to track the vehicle until it collided with a tree on Atarangi Rd, Greenlane, where the driver has fled but quickly been taken into custody by the Delta dog unit,” Wardlaw said.

“Three passengers had fled prior to the vehicle crashing and all were located and arrested without incident.”

A 42-year-old man and a 17-year-old will appear in North Shore District Court today, charged with burglary.

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 14, were referred to Youth Aid Services.

A spokesperson for Woolworths said they were “saddened” by the incident.

“The wellbeing and safety of our staff and customers are of utmost importance, and we will be offering our team support as needed.”

Kirsty Wynn is an Auckland-based journalist with more than 20 years experience in New Zealand newsrooms. She has covered everything from crime and social issues to the property market and has a current focus on consumer affairs.