Rotorua Central Mall ram-raided, other alleged burglaries in Bay of Plenty

Damage to the entrance to Rotorua Central Mall after a ram raid early Monday. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua Central Mall has been ram raided this morning with several stores damaged.

A police spokeswoman said police were called about 2.55am to Amohau St following reports of a burglary where a vehicle had been used to gain entry.

Chief executive of Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, which owns the mall, Mark Gibb said there was damage inside the mall and to a number of retail sites.

Gibb said all but one of the impacted retail sites were expected to open today and the food court and most other shops were ready to reopen this morning.

“We have comprehensive security measures on site but despite those people have been able to get inside overnight. It’s hugely disappointing and frustrating for everyone involved,” he said.

Glass covered the Rotorua Central Mall car park on Monday morning following a ram raid and burglary. Photo / Laura Smith

“We are supporting police with their investigation and we will also explore what other security measures we may need to put in place.”

Gibb said given the incident was being investigated by police, it was not possible to provide any further details.

Earlier, a reporter at the scene said a lot of glass could be see seen in the car park and a police officer was stationed outside. The entrance closest to Victoria St had debris all over the floor and part of the entryway looked to be hanging down.

The ram raid, as well as three other alleged burglaries, kept Bay of Plenty police busy in the early hours of this morning.

Police received a report of an alleged burglary at a commercial premises on Onslow St in Kawerau around 12.45am.

Just after 5am, police in Whakatāne were called to The Strand after two reports of people entering a commercial premises.

A report of a burglary at a commercial premises on Main Rd in Katikati was also reported about 3.20am.

A police spokeswoman said there was not anything to suggest the alleged burglaries were linked at this stage.

She said police are making inquiries.