Three people have been arrested following an aggravated robbery at a Whakatāne jewellery store on Monday afternoon.

Police were called to a business on The Strand at about 3.40pm after three masked offenders entered the store and fled with stolen property.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said staff managed to escape through a rear door and were unharmed during the incident.

Armed police responded as a precaution, but the offenders had fled in a stolen vehicle before officers arrived.

Cooney said police immediately launched a search, aided by information from members of the public who quickly reported details of the getaway vehicle.

“Information about the alleged offenders’ vehicle was provided to Whakatāne Police almost immediately after the robbery, and that was crucial in helping direct resources to locate those involved,” Cooney said.

The vehicle was later spotted by Murupara police on State Highway 38, triggering a co-ordinated response involving officers from across the Bay of Plenty.

Police deployed road spikes and positioned patrol units ahead of the vehicle. It was successfully spiked and brought to a stop near a busy roundabout.

Three of the four alleged offenders were arrested at the scene.

Police also recovered property believed to have been stolen during the robbery, with several items of evidential value.

The alleged offenders, aged 16, 18 and 19, are due to appear in Rotorua Youth Court today charged with aggravated robbery.

Cooney praised the efforts of officers and the public, saying the arrests highlighted the value of timely information and co-ordinated policing.

“The quick-thinking actions of people who contacted police immediately after the robbery, combined with the efforts of staff and officers across the district, were instrumental in achieving a safe outcome,” she said.

She also acknowledged Whakatāne staff who identified the vehicle, the Murupara officers who located it and Rotorua police who provided tactical support during the pursuit.

Police inquiries are continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police via 105, online or by quoting file number 260803/7537. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.