Two serious crimes committed using firearms in east Auckland last year have so far gone unsolved.
The first incident saw a house in Flat Bush damaged by multiple gunshots fired during an alleged drive-by shooting at about 9.25pm on July 8.
Three large holes were visible in the upstairs and downstairs windows at the two-storey Timmer Road property the following day.
Police at the time said no one was injured during the incident, which happened during a spate of drive-by shootings across Auckland caused by tensions and a turf war between two gangs.
The gang violence also saw homes in Glen Osborne Terrace, Flat Bush, and Bleakhouse Road, Mellons Bay, damaged.
Following the shooting in Timmer Road, Flat Bush Ratepayers and Residents Association president Lloyd Ratnaraja said local residents were concerned for their safety.
“We need interventions to prevent safety incidents in our community and this needs to be implemented with urgency.”
The association’s vice president, Yuva Adhikary, said it was “sad” for another shooting to have taken place in Flat Bush.
“It has scared the local community. No place seems to be safe.
“The Flat Bush Ratepayers and Residents Association team is involved in the community patrol working with the police, but incidents such as this are beyond our control.”
Police publicly appealed for anyone with information on the shooting to come forward, but eight months later no arrests have been made or charges laid in the case.
A police spokesperson says enquiries were made into the incident.
“Despite efforts to identify those responsible, police have exhausted all lines of enquiry and the matter has been filed.
“Police have spoken to all those involved regarding this decision, however, should new information come to light, police are open to reassessing the matter.”
Unsolved also is an alleged armed robbery carried out at 123 Palm Bar in Highland Park on November 21 last year.
Police said at the time that two offenders entered the bar on Pakuranga Road at about 2.21am while other people were present.
“It’s understood two offenders entered the premises and presented what appeared to be a firearm, before stealing cash from the till and fleeing.
“While there are no serious injuries to report, those involved are understandably shaken.
“Police continue to follow positive lines of enquiry.”
Four months later the offenders are yet to be held to account.
A police spokesperson now says enquiries into the robbery “remain ongoing”.
“No arrests have been made at this stage, and we continue to encourage anyone who has information which may assist police to contact us via 105.”
People with information on the drive-by shooting at the house in Timmer Road, Flat Bush, on July 8 last year can phone police on 105, quoting file number 220709/4279.
Alternatively, phone the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.
Anyone with information on the robbery of 123 Palm Bar in Highland Park on November 21 and who has not yet spoken to police can phone 105, quoting file number 221121/1779, or phone Crimestoppers.
