Police arrested an 18-year-old man over the Michael Hill robbery at Bayfair nearly two weeks ago.
He has been charged with Aggravated Robbery and a “warrant to arrest issued to appear in the Tauranga District Court,” a Police spokesperson said.
Police said they’re making enquiries to find the other five people involved.
Further charges have not been ruled out.
It comes after six people arrived at Bayfair in a stolen vehicle around 2:50pm on January 27th.
They parked on the ground floor of the main parking building, entered the shopping mall armed with weapons, and made their way to Michael Hill.
Acting Detective Sergeant Lesa Eastergaard said they entered the store, and threatened staff and customers, before smashing cabinets and stealing large amounts of jewelry.
Several members of the public approached the store to try and prevent the robbery.
But Eastergaard said: “They were threatened by the offenders and had to take evasive action to avoid injury."
“After leaving the store, the offenders ran back to the parking building and left in the stolen vehicle they had arrived in.”
She said this was a busy time of day at the shopping complex.
“We know that many people may have video recordings showing the robbery and/or the offenders,” she said.
Police ask anyone with a recording - or any other information - which has not yet been shared with them, to please get in touch via 105 and quote file number 240127/1871.
Videos and photos can also be uploaded via this link: https://pippen.nc3.govt.nz
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.