Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Four people have been charged after three separate incidents including a ram raid and a robbery in Rotorua and Taupō.
Police in Rotorua responded to a ram raid of a store on Tutanekai Street, and an aggravated robbery at a business on Fairy Springs Road on 22 May, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said.
About 4.30am that same day, police were alerted to a ram raid on Tutanekai Street, where the alleged offenders used a stolen vehicle to gain access to the store, before taking multiple items.
The store's alarm was activated.
The alleged offenders then fled and stole another vehicle on a nearby street.
About 5am, the trio entered the premises on Fairy Springs Road and threatened two staff members.
Among the items taken from the premises were cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, and cash.
The alleged offenders then left the premises and travelled to Hamilton and then onto Auckland.
Van Kempen said police executed search warrants in the Hamilton and Auckland areas, resulting in the recovery of a number of items that were allegedly taken during the incidents.
A 30-year-old woman, and two youths have been charged with aggravated robbery, burglary, and two counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. The woman was remanded on bail and is due to reappear in the Rotorua District Court on 14 June.
Meanwhile, another youth has been charged with burglary and two charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle following a burglary at a store in Taupō.
That incident occurred about 3.45am on 19 May. Police were called to Horomatangi Street after entry was gained to the store and a number of items were taken.
Of the three youths charged, one will reappear in the Rotorua Youth Court on 14 June, while two will reappear on 18 June.