12 Mar 2024

Bystander's quick action aids arrests after superette burglary in east Auckland

9:11 am on 12 March 2024
Police in Wellington. Generic image

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Police arrested two men shortly after a burglary at a superette in Bucklands Beach on Monday afternoon.

Counties Manukau east area prevention manager Inspector Rakana Cook said three offenders entered the premises just after 3pm.

One of the offenders jumped over the counter, stole a cash box and the trio then fled on foot, he said.

"Thankfully no one was injured during the incident, and while no threats were made to the worker inside, the incident has left them understandably shaken," Inspector Cook said.

Thanks to a member of the public who saw the movements of the alleged offenders and phoned 111, police were able to track them to a nearby property which officers searched.

"Our officers took two males into custody without further incident, and we were able to recover the cash box from the address as well."

Cook said the member of the public's call meant that police were able to bring the matter to a swift conclusion.

Two people, aged 20 and 19, will appear in Manukau District Court on 19 March charged with burglary.

Police are also following positive lines of enquiry to locate the third offender, Cook said.