Manawatū Police are investigating two linked Aggravated Burglaries which occurred around 5:30pm on Wednesday 12th October in Palmerston North.
Two heavily disguised males have entered a jewellery store in the Plaza with a clear intention to steal a quantity of jewellery. Once it was realised that the items, they were looking for had already been secured they ran out the main entrance of the Plaza onto Church Street.
They then drove a short distance around the Square and entered a second jewellery store. This time they smashed glass cabinets and stolen an unknown quantity of watches. They spent about 40 seconds inside the store.
They returned to their vehicle which is a dark coloured Hyundai and drove off in the direction of Broadway Avenue.
Although this was late in the afternoon there was still members of the public in the vicinity.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson says, "this type of offending is clearly disturbing due to the potential risk for the nearby public and shop staff. It is not something that we have seen here recently, and we are determined that these offenders will be identified and held to account.
We are keen to hear from anyone that was in the Plaza and The Square at this time and witnessed the two events. We believe that some of them may have recorded the events on their phone and we are keen to view this footage.
The vehicle that was used drove off at speed and would have been obvious. Again, anyone that has seen a dark coloured Hyundai driving erratically in central Palmerston North we would like to hear from them."
Anyone with information or footage of these incidents is asked to contact Police via 105 quoting file number 221012/0739.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
