Car driven through petrol station door

Police at the scene of the robbery in Tauriko this morning. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

A car has been used to smash the front door of a Tauranga petrol station early this morning.

Police say three offenders, one armed with a knife, entered the Caltex service station on State Highway 29, Tauriko, at 2.10am.

'The first offender drove a vehicle into the front door before two other offenders entered the store. At least one of them was carrying a knife,” says a police spokesperson.

'They left the store with cigarettes and cash before all three offenders fled the scene in the vehicle.”

There was no altercation and no one was injured but witnesses are receiving ongoing support.

'A scene guard remains in place before a scene examination is conducted this morning.”

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area in the early hours of this morning or who has any information which may help our investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information may shared anonymously with Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

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8 comments

What's going on ...

Posted on 17-05-2017 09:12 | By Linaire

These armed robberies are happening far too often at the moment .. why have there been so many over the past few weeks? Surely this is not coincidental.... am I the only person who would suspect that some of these robberies would be linked? As far as I am aware, there have never been so many armed robberies in Tauranga and the immediate surrounding area before. Very worrying.


Traumatic...

Posted on 17-05-2017 11:15 | By penguin

...for the person on duty. But I cannot help but smile at the irony of the sign above the door.


This is happening almost daily now

Posted on 17-05-2017 13:07 | By BennyBenson

across the country. I knew this would happen when they started increasing prices of cigarettes. I'm sure the Government is happy with their extra taxes but it's the Service Station and Dairy employees that are constantly dealing with the fallout from it and getting attacked.


simple solution

Posted on 17-05-2017 17:38 | By CC8

Stop selling tobacco, suits me and 98% of the population


Agree with CC8...

Posted on 17-05-2017 18:06 | By GreertonBoy

I think it is time to stop pretending that cigarettes are of any use at all. They cause health issues for the smoker and those near them, they are a wealth hazard to the smoker,,,, it costs us non smokers to pay for treatments of the various cancers smokers give themselves, now it is costing damage repairs and stress for shop owners that sell these stinking things... and one day a staff member will be assaulted or otherwise injured. For what? Someone please tell me what good tobacco smoking does? .... (not to mention the litter and fire risk)..... all it does is make the manufacturers rich from human stupidity (smoking) and of course, provides ample taxes for the government..... the latter being the only reason they are still available would be my guess. Smokers, wake up.... Glad no one was hurt... this time.


@ CC8

Posted on 17-05-2017 19:46 | By laugeo

Great idea, as long as you're happy for the government to increase your taxes to cover the 1.9 billion they currently take from smokers? I'm willing to bet that 98% of the population do not want that.I agree with BennyBenson, these robberies were inevitable as tobacco prices are hiked to a point where cigarettes probably offer greater profit margins than illegal drugs for the criminal elements. The lunatics have taken over the asylum.


My hunch laugeo....

Posted on 18-05-2017 18:53 | By groutby

..........is that you are not a betting person, for you would almost certainly owe a lot of money on a bet like that. Shopkeepers are in a spot here, if they do not sell smokes, they lose money, good amounts from what I understand...if they continue to do so, they risk this behaviour from scum such as in this incident...to place a security guard (with legal ability to use force if necessary) is simply way to expensive. Maybe designated "controlled" outlets where legitimate purchases can be made in relative safety, with profits being split evenly between participating retailers could be considered...sadly these excuses for breathing will probably find another reason to cause trouble though.


I guess for now....

Posted on 19-05-2017 21:07 | By GreertonBoy

It would be good for locals to pay more attention when driving past dairies and petrol stations when they are closed? People living near them, keep a bit of an eye on these place and be quick to call the police,,,, take pics/video/dashcam in an effort to make breaking into these premises a bit too risky for these egg-heads. We have to do something to try and curb this sort of stuff happening... Pretty sad really.... being vigilant and being an excellent witness would be a great start. Perhaps the Police could make recommendations to the public how it is best for us to help?


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