Police outside the Michael Hill store in Pukekohe that was burgled in the early hours of 5 September, 2022. Photo: RNZ / Krystal Abey-Leenders
Michael Hill Jewellery, which has been hit hard by crime, is rolling out a DNA tracking spray for all stores to assist identifying people who carry out ram raids.
The company is stepping up security at its stores at it reacts to a series of raids on its stores.
Measures just announced include more security guards, fog cannons and alarms, night patrols and personal alarms for staff.
Chief executive Daniel Bracken said he was appalled by the attacks on the stores and particularly alarmed by daytime smash and grab raids in Hamilton and Albany recently.
While work needed to be done on addressing social issues leading to the ram raids, the company had to act to keep its staff safe, he said.
The company was also rolling out a DNA tracking spray for all stores to assist identifying people who carry out ram raids.
Chairman Rob Fyfe said it was "deeply concerning" that ram raids have become a regular occurence in shopping precincts.
"In attacking our stores, these thieves not only rob us of our products, but they rob our staff and customers of the right to feel safe as they move about our stores and shopping centres.
"It's unacceptable that our staff and customers now live with this constant threat of attack and are now being regularly confronted with the level of destruction."