Hamilton Police investigate two robberies and a burglary, possibly linked

Hamilton Police are investigating two aggravated robberies and a burglary overnight which they believe are linked.

The first incident happened around 2.18am this morning at the BP Connect service station in Frankton where two males entered the shop and demanded money and cigarettes.

The offenders had their faces covered and one was armed with a hammer, the other a tomahawk. The pair stole a large quantity of cigarettes after demanding money.

The first offender was described as a teenage male, slim build and slightly taller than 5’5” in height. The second offender was also a teenage male, a similar height to the first offender and of slim build.

The attendant was not injured, but badly shaken.

The offenders left in a white Nissan car.

The second incident, a burglary, occurred at the Caltex service station in Dinsdale Hamilton.

Multiple alarms were activated about 2.22am at the un-manned Caltex.

An informant saw a white Nissan station wagon leaving the scene with two male offenders matching the descriptions of the offenders from the previous robbery at BP Connect. They have attempted to gain access to the cigarette cabinet, but were unsucessful.

The third incident occurred at around 2.52am when two offenders entered the BP in Glenview Hamilton. The attendant locked themselves in the office, so they were not assaulted, and contacted police.

On this occasion, the witness saw three people running into the shop, grabbing cigarettes.

A white Nissan vehicle was used in all three incidents and the offenders have smashed the glass front doors of the service stations with a tomahawk and hammer.

“While none of the victims suffered physical injuries in these related incidents, it would have been a very frightening situation for all of them. In the last robbery, the attendant was able to lock themselves safely in a back room, and they were not attacked.”

Police take this this offending very seriously and we are committed to finding these offenders and holding them to account for their actions,” said Detective Sergeant Scott Neilson.

Police ask anyone who has been offered cheap cigarettes in recent days to contact them immediately.

Information can be shared with Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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