Arrest made over Auckland aggravated robberies, public appeal continues

Auckland City Police investigating three aggravated robberies across Point Chevalier and Mount Albert have made an arrest.

Recent developments in ongoing enquiries have led Police to charge a 26-year-old male with aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews, Auckland City CIB, says Police executed an arrest warrant at a Manurewa property last night.

“One person, who is a Crips gang member, was arrested and charged in relation to the aggravated robbery at the Wapiti Sports Bar on Carrington Road, Point Chevalier, on 16 September.

“A 23-year-old associate located at the address was also arrested on an unrelated matter.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says a shotgun was also located inside the property.

“This arrest was in part a result of information received from the public,” he says.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the community for coming forward with information which has contributed to this quick arrest.

“We are continuing to work hard to identify and arrest further offenders responsible for these robberies.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says victim support is providing ongoing assistance to the victims involved in all three incidents.

A 26-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court today.

Police are continuing to appeal to the public for information in regards to the series of aggravated robberies:
We are now also releasing further CCTV images of those wanted in relation to the three aggravated robberies between 14-16 September.

Additionally, the vehicle, a silver 2005 Toyota Mark X – registration HTU397 – believed to be used during the aggravated robbery at Wapiti Sports Bar – also remains outstanding.

“It has distinctive damage to the rear left door and we are seeking the public’s assistance in locating this vehicle,” Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says.

At around 2am on Saturday 16 September, Police were called to the Wapiti Sports Bar on Carrington Road after multiple offenders, armed with hammers and a firearm, entered the premises.

A number of staff were locking up for the night when the offenders entered and threatened them with a firearm.

Four offenders wearing masks took cash and left in two vehicles. One vehicle involved has been located abandoned near the scene and has undergone forensic testing.

At around 12.57am on Friday 15 September, Police were called to a bar on Great North Road, Point Chevalier after multiple offenders armed with hammers and a firearm entered the premises.

One person fired a shot inside the premises, which struck a TV on a wall behind the bar.

The offenders took money from the tills and gaming machines before fleeing.

Police believe the same group of offenders are responsible for an aggravated robbery at the Mt Albert Sports Bar on New North Road at around 2.20am on Thursday 14 September.

Four offenders armed with hammers entered the building, which at the time had a staff member and four customers inside.

Anyone with information regarding any of these incidents are urged to contact Police by calling 105, or if you wish to give information anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can quote the following file numbers in relation to these events:

• 230914/9893 – Mt Albert Sports Bar, Thursday 14 September
• 230915/4397 – Harlequin Sports Bar, Friday 15 September
• 230916/8450 – Wapiti Sports Bar, Saturday 16 September