Hamilton mall robberies: Police warn people to call 111 not put themselves at risk

Police are investigating whether there are any links between break-ins at two Hamilton shopping malls yesterday.

The first incident occurred about 5.45am at a retail complex on Hukanui Road when a group of robbers took numerous items from multiple shops before attacking a security guard who was in a parked car.

The security guard was treated at Waikato Hospital but was now resting at home, police said.

In the second incident at 11.30am masked robbers entered a Michael Hill jewellery shop at The Base Shopping Centre in Te Rapa smashing the counters and taking items.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke said the investigation team was grateful for information and footage that people had supplied, but urged people to call 111 rather than putting themselves at risk during such incidents.

“We are following strong lines of enquiry on both incidents, including working to determine whether there are any links between the two,” she said in a statement.

Police recognised that people may shaken by the robberies and be concerned about their safety when shopping, she said.

Consequently, there was a police presence at each of Hamilton’s three shopping malls, she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 105 and quote job number 220925/5685 for the Chartwell incident or 220925/6221 for the Base incident.