- Invercargill Police are investigating a series of linked incidents at several premises overnight
- A stolen red Toyota Vitz has been recovered following the aggravated robberies and burglaries
- Police urge anyone with information about the vehicles or offenders to come forward
Police are asking the public for help after a string of incidents across Invercargill overnight, including two aggravated robberies.
Detective Inspector Stu Harvey said officers were first called to a Dee Street business around 2.30am on Monday 5 May. "Two people entered the store, assaulted the worker, and demanded cash," he said. The pair then fled in a vehicle. While the worker was not seriously injured, they were left very shaken by what happened.
Later, an attempted burglary and two burglaries were reported at three other locations: Windsor Street, Elles Road and Yarrow Street.
Around 4.20am, Police were alerted to another robbery at a Tay Street premises, where two individuals again entered, demanding cash and other items. "Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident," said Detective Inspector Harvey.
Police believe the incidents are connected and are following several leads. Two vehicles were spotted near some of the scenes. "One of them, a red Toyota Vitz, has been involved in the offending," Detective Inspector Harvey said. This vehicle had been reported stolen the previous day and has since been recovered.
The second vehicle is described as a dark-coloured car. Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw either of these vehicles between 1am and 5am.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Police via 105, quoting the reference number 250505/9732. Information can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.