A liquor store chain in Napier has been the target of thieves twice in two days, leaving business owners and police concerned about community safety.
Early on Thursday morning, a stolen vehicle was used to ram its way into the Big Barrel liquor store at Marewa.
Security footage showed the vehicle careening onto the footpath and smashing through the storefront, with thieves making off with a haul of valuable stock.
Big Barrel owner Trevor Smith said that he is concerned for his staff's safety.
"It's extremely frustrating just because of the safety and security of our staff, we are just really lucky it happened when the shops have been closed but also from a cost perspective our insurance has gone up 60 per cent in the last two years. In 2020, our excess was $500, in 2024, it's going to be $5000."
Across town, another Big Barrel store at Carlyle St was burgled this morning by nine offenders who smashed through glass doors.
Detective Glen Yule said the police have concerns for one of the offenders as they could be seriously injured.
"We have concerns for one of the youths, who has cut his lower right leg while kicking the front door.
"The amount of blood left at the scene indicates he suffered a serious injury which would present as an obvious limp."
The Big Barrel in Marewa was also ram-raided in late September.
Meanwhile, Senior Sergeant Craig Vining emphasised that the issue is a matter for the entire community.
"This involves kids out in the middle of the night. We don't even know where they are.
"We need parents and whānau to be vigilant. If your kids come back with bottles of liquor, ask where they got them, and start asking more questions about where our young people are."
Police are also urging car owners to take up a simple, yet highly effective, crime prevention measure — the wheel lock.
Vining said that it can make a significant difference in deterring potential offenders, evidenced in an incident where a Demio was not stolen due to the presence of a wheel lock.
The affected store is implementing temporary fixes such as plywood barriers and concrete slabs.
Smith would like to see more permanent protection measures such as bollards in front of the store, but council regulations prevent this.
Napier City Council said that it needs to consider the broader impact of installing bollards and that they can present mobility challenges for some residents.
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