Update Hamilton Aggravated Robberies

New Zealand Police National News Release
9:27am 2 September 2008

http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=4280

02 September 2008

Hamilton Police are seeking information from the public on anyone offering cheap cigarettes or tobacco for sale following the aggravated robbery of a service station on Sunday morning.

This latest robbery, of the Caltex service station on Comries Rd Chartwell, follows Police raising concerns on Friday about similarities between 16 aggravated robberies carried out across the city since 31 May.

Detective Sergeant Neville Ross of the North Hamilton CIB said a man armed with a knife entered the service station about 6.40am.

"He threatened the female attendant before stealing cash and tobacco and running off," said Mr Ross.

"The offender was described as wearing light coloured trousers, a dark long sleeved hooded sweatshirt, dark coloured beanie and gloves and was carrying a large black plastic rubbish bag."

Mr Ross said Police would like to hear from anyone in the area of Comries Rd, Rossiter Pl and Lynden Ct around the time of the robbery who may have seen a man running, getting into a vehicle or acting suspiciously.

In terms of the other robberies currently under investigation Police are very keen to receive any information on who may be responsible.

"So far a total of eight people have been arrested in relation to four separate robberies and we are actively seeking those responsible for each of these incidents.

"At the same time we are encouraging all small business owners, not just of petrol stations, to review their security and the safety of staff and customers," said Mr Ross.

Business owners are encouraged to contact Hamilton Police for advice in relation to any security concerns they may have.

"Business crime prevention booklets are available from any Police station, alternatively Detective Nicola Cornes is available to speak to at the North Hamilton Community Policing Centre on 07 8546000," said Mr Ross.

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