3 Apr 2010

Group behind series of armed robberies sought

7:57 pm on 3 April 2010

South Auckland police are looking for a group of men believed to be responsible for at least 10 aggravated robberies in the Auckland area.

They include the robberies of cash-carrying vehicles, banks, a jewellery store and home invasions using weapons ranging from screwdrivers to pistols and sawn-off shot-guns.

Police believe that as many as five or six men are actively committing these robberies, which are becoming more frequent.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry says there were three on 25 March: after robbing a cash-delivery van in Clendon, the group went on to invade two homes in Otahuhu and Papatoetoe.

There were two more robberies on 30 March and another on Thursday morning, when two men robbed a cash-delivery van in Royal Oak. The getaway was car found on fire a short time later.

Detective Inspector Gutry says so far no one has been seriously injured, but everyone is at risk any time violence and firearms are used.

A 21-year-old man has already been arrested in relation to some of the crimes and among the others being sought, one has been named as Vegas Kara.