Three people have been arrested and stolen property recovered following an aggravated robbery at Renshaws Showcase Jewellers in Whakatāne, while Police continue to search for a fourth person believed to be involved.
Emergency services were called to the jewellery store on The Strand at about 3.40pm on Monday after three masked offenders allegedly entered the premises.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said staff were able to leave the store through a rear door, and no one was injured during the incident.
Although responding officers were armed as a precaution, the alleged offenders had left the scene in a stolen vehicle before Police arrived.
Police launched an immediate search and credited members of the public with providing key information about the suspected getaway vehicle, helping officers quickly direct resources toward those allegedly involved.
The vehicle was later located on State Highway 38 by officers from Murupara, with additional support from Rotorua Police.
Police said a coordinated operation involving tyre deflation devices brought the vehicle to a stop at a busy roundabout, where officers arrested three of the four occupants without reported injury.
Stolen property from Renshaws Showcase Jewellers was recovered, along with items Police say are of evidential value.
The three people arrested, aged 16, 18 and 19, are due to appear in Rotorua Youth Court charged with aggravated robbery.
Inspector Cooney said the outcome demonstrated the value of prompt information from the public and coordinated policing across the Bay of Plenty.
"Police are acknowledging the significant role played by members of the public, whose prompt reporting and information-sharing helped enable a swift and coordinated response," she said.
"This successful outcome highlights the importance of timely information from the public and the effectiveness of coordinated policing across the Bay of Plenty District."
She also praised the officers involved in the operation.
"The prompt actions of Whakatāne staff in identifying the vehicle, the vigilance of the Murupara unit that located it, and the tactical support provided by Rotorua units were instrumental in bringing the incident to a safe resolution," Cooney said.
Police acknowledged the actions of Whakatāne officers who identified the vehicle, the Murupara officers who located it, and Rotorua staff who assisted with the operation.
Investigations remain ongoing as Police continue efforts to locate a fourth person believed to have been involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via 105 by phone or online, quoting file number 260803/7537, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
