Smash and grabs at two Christchurch businesses have put a dampener on Christmas for their owners.
In one raid, four youths targeted vape store Hukka on Lincoln Road in Addington on Christmas Eve, using hammers and rocks to smash their way in, stealing thousands of dollars worth of products.
It’s the third attack at the store in just 3 months. In previous attacks, stolen vehicles were used to smash into the store.
The owner said “these kids tried to break into the store using the wrench and hammers.
But when that didn’t work, they returned to their car and later returned using rocks to smash their way in.
Police found the stolen car and the cash till a short time later the owner said.
Watch youths smash their way into Hukka on Lincoln Road.
“It’s really terrifying how frequently these incidents are taking place.”
A police spokeswoman said police are following lines of inquiry to locate the offenders.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via our 105 service phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using ‘Update My Report’. Please reference file number 221224/4055.
Man rips out till from store in Sydenham
In a separate incident on Christmas Day, a man broke into the back door of Novelty Sweets and Restaurant on Wordsworth Street in Sydenham, ripping out the cash till and stealing drinks from the front of house fridge.
The owner said “the incident wasn’t the best way to start the festive season, but police were investigating.”
