Police are investigating a robbery that allegedly saw two offenders enter an east Auckland bar and present what appeared to be a firearm at those inside.
A police spokesperson told the Times the incident happened at 123 Palm Bar in Highland Park at about 2.21am on November 21.
“Police responded to reports of an aggravated robbery at a commercial address on Pakuranga Road.
“It’s understood two offenders have entered the premises and presented what appeared to be a firearm, before stealing cash from the till and fleeing the store.
“While there are no serious injuries to report, those involved are understandably shaken.
“Police continue to follow positive lines of enquiry.”
It’s not the first time in the past decade the bar has been the scene of a crime involving a firearm.
A man was shot outside the bar early one morning in October 2015 during an apparent fight between rival gangs, according to police at the time.
He was shot in the leg and taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The bar was also previously targeted during a robbery one night in November 2012.
The Labour Government recently announced it was taking steps to prevent such offending amidst an ongoing crime wave across New Zealand that’s seen a large number of ram-raids, smash-and-grab burglaries, and robberies, some of which have involved firearms.
Police Minister Chris Hipkins says the move will improve public safety by stopping people whose behaviour and actions represent a high risk of violence from accessing firearms or restricted weapons, he says.
“Firearms Prohibition Orders are another measure that will help tackle and reduce gun crime and its impacts on our communities.
“The orders empower judges to prohibit anyone convicted of firearms-related crimes and other specific crimes, including murder and serious violence offences, from accessing or using guns.
“These orders will help police further reduce firearms violence and make our communities safer.”
Hipkins says the orders target violent offenders, including gang members.
“It gets the balance right between public safety and the right to use and own firearms by prohibiting people with a history of offending from being near a dangerous weapon.
“The new legislation gives a judge the power to impose an order lasting 10 years and makes it a criminal offence to breach the conditions of the order. A breach is an imprisonable offence.”
People with information on the alleged robbery of 123 Palm Bar on November 21 who have not yet spoken to police are asked to phone 105 or report it online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report, referencing number 221121/1779.
Information can also be provided anonymously via the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.
