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September 9, 2024
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The aggressive raids on businesses in Wood Street at Mangawhai Heads caused thousands of dollars in damages, but it also saw the community instantly step in to help and support affected retailers. PHOTO: JULIA WADE
Community pulls together after ram raids A week after ram raiders hit businesses in Wood Street, Mangawhai Heads, causing significant damage, police have made no progress in apprehending the offenders. Waitematā North CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby said police were following positive lines of enquiry and investigating similar offences elsewhere, with the belief that the offenders were based in Whangārei. A stolen vehicle used in the burglaries was found abandoned and subjected to forensic testing. Wood Street retailers were awakened early on August 31 by security alarms. Four businesses were targeted: Four Square, Super Liquor, the service station, and Books & Gifts. The raiders used vehicles and tools for an aggressive smash-and-grab and boasted about their crimes on social media, with footage showing them vandalizing the stores. There were also unconfirmed reports of them posing with shotguns. Super Liquor and Mangawhai Heads Service Station suffered the most, with thousands of dollars in damage and merchandise stolen. A service station spokesperson, who requested anonymity, described the impact on small businesses as severe. “It’s hard
as I have no idea yet how much stock they took, but they caused $20,000plus worth of damage. It could ruin a business,” they said. Boaz Developments owner Reece Fortune immediately stepped in to help, coordinating material donations from Placemakers Mangawhai and organizing support from other builders. The community rallied, with Brewed As providing coffee and Wood St Pizzeria offering meals. Councillor Mike Howard visited the morning after the raid to offer support. The spokesperson, woken at 1:15 am by a call, was among the first on the scene, joined by Super Liquor co-owner Cameron Adams and Mangawhai Senior Constable Rob Cato. The offenders had already left by the time they arrived. With over 30 years in security, the spokesperson noted the raid seemed “semi-organised by seasoned criminals.” They observed that the raiders pushed aside the security grill and door to gain access and were familiar with the fog cannon, which filled the room with smoke, obscuring their escape. The business is now considering additional security measures. Barred windows prevented entry into Four Square, and owner Hamish
Townshend lamented the rise in retail and violent crime. “Everyone should be able to come to work and feel safe,” he said. Townshend noted the community’s overwhelming support, with numerous calls, texts, and messages of encouragement, highlighting the town’s special spirit. Scott King, owner of Books & Gifts, noted that the ram raid was the first burglary in the store’s 16-year history. The raiders, after targeting the other businesses, broke through a window at his shop, leaving behind some blood and taking five or six watches worth about $200. Despite the disruption, King was relieved the damage was manageable. “It could have been so much worse,” he said. “The community’s response has been amazing, with offers of help and homemade treats. It’s the small-town spirit; it’s great.” The Mangawhai Service Station spokesperson criticized the offenders for their brazen social media post about the break-ins, suggesting it demonstrated their lack of concern. “The page they posted on has been used for aggravated robberies, ram raids, and other offences. Police need more power to tackle these issues,” they said.
Retailers ponder upping security The unprecedented crime spree has prompted Mangawhai retailers to consider security upgrades. “We’ll have to look at putting some bollards in front to prevent cars coming in,” said Supervalue owner Davesh Patel. “But out the back, if they want to smack into a container, they’ll do it, can’t help that.” Patel, who has owned the store for 30 years, said he felt fortunate to have been broken into just four times over that period. Like other business owners, he would like the government to be tougher on youth crime and supports the reintroduction of boot camps for serious offenders. “You want to make sure they pay the price. Give them an easy out and they won’t change. I think boot camps are good because they’ll discipline the kids, maybe lead them into good jobs later and
then they could see the value of work.” Mangawhai GAS co-owner Sheila Hassall said security was becoming more of an issue, with many outside influences coming into the area. Vehicle recognition cameras situated at both entranceways into the Heads and Village would benefit local businesses and
Local opinion is that a permanent police presence in our village would be to everyone’s advantage. residents as well as help the police, she said. Hassall conceded they would be expensive – “maybe we can forgo a footpath or two and get the council behind this.” continued page 2
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