Two youths, aged 13 and 16, are facing charges of aggravated robbery after allegedly holding up a Frankton business with weapons and leading police on a dramatic chase along the Waikato Expressway last night.
In a separate major operation, Waikato Police also arrested two men in Huntly as part of an ongoing investigation into methamphetamine supply, seizing firearms, drugs, and cash and discovering children living in a home with unsecured weapons.
The string of incidents highlights a significant focus on both street-level and organised crime across the region by law enforcement.
Frankton robbery ends in highway pursuit
Police were called to a commercial premises on Commerce Street in Frankton at approximately 7.30pm on Monday night. According to police reports, four individuals entered the business brandishing weapons and threatened staff before making off with a quantity of cash.
The alleged offenders fled the scene in a vehicle, but police quickly located it near Hamilton Airport. Officers successfully used a tyre deflation device, but the vehicle continued onto the Waikato Expressway, initiating a short pursuit.
The chase concluded when the vehicle came to a stop near Hampton Downs, a well-known motorsport park north of Hamilton. Two of the vehicle’s occupants, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old, were taken into custody. Both are scheduled to appear in the Hamilton Youth Court today to face charges of aggravated robbery.
The use of the Waikato Expressway in the pursuit underscores the challenges police face on the region's main arterial routes, which have been the scene of other serious incidents, including fatal crashes.
Police searching for two more suspects
Authorities have confirmed that two other individuals involved in the Frankton robbery remain at large. Hamilton City Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Durston, has urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to their identification and arrest.
Police continue to make enquiries to locate the remaining offenders and anyone with information on the incident or who was involved, is urged to come forward.
Information can be shared with police by calling 105 or providing details online, referencing file number 260419/4870. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
The case will proceed through the Hamilton Youth Court, a specialist division of the District Court that deals with young offenders. The public's ability to follow such cases has been evolving with the adoption of digital tools to transform public access to court records across the country.
Huntly drug and firearms bust
Meanwhile, in a clear demonstration of their focus on organised crime, Waikato Police executed a series of search warrants in Huntly on Tuesday morning. The raids were part of a targeted operation aimed at disrupting the supply of methamphetamine in the area.
Two men, aged 40 and 42, were arrested at separate properties. They are set to appear in the Hamilton District Court facing serious charges, including participating in an organised criminal group, conspiring to supply methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of firearms.
During the searches, police located two firearms along with ammunition, a large amount of cannabis, and cash. Police stated the operation was part of an ongoing effort to dismantle organised criminal activity in the Waikato.
Children found in 'unacceptable' situation
What investigators found at one of the Huntly properties has been described as extremely concerning. Several young children were discovered living at a house where officers also found unsecured firearms held by unlicensed owners.
In a statement, police condemned the situation as an "unacceptable" and "significant safety risk". The presence of unsecured firearms poses a grave danger to anyone in a home, particularly children. Under New Zealand law, firearms must be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access. A full overview of firearm safety and regulations is available from Te Tari Pūreke, the Firearms Safety Authority.
Police said they are committed to applying pressure on offenders who profit from illicit drug sales, which they identify as a major source of community harm. Similar issues with crime and anti-social behaviour have been a focus for communities in other parts of the country, such as in Papatoetoe, Auckland.
A police spokesperson stated the arrests and seizures in Huntly "will have an impact on the supply of this drug in the area."
