A day of retail crime, scorching hot temperatures in Auckland, and Kiwi op shops seeing a huge rise in sales.
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1 Staff lock themselves in back room during overnight Akl burglary
Staff members at a store in Auckland's Takapuna had to lock themselves in a back room during an overnight burglary which resulted in the arrest of four people.
Detective Sergeant Mark Wardlaw said the group wearing balaclavas allegedly forced their way into the Barry's Point Rd business and "stole a number of items and cash" just after 1.30am this morning.
A 42-year-old man and a 17-year-old were due to appear in North Shore District Court today charged with burglary. Two teenagers, aged 15 and 14, were referred to Youth Aid Services.
2 US, UK launch strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen
The US and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen today in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched tomahawk missiles and fighter jets.
The military targets included logistical hubs, air defence systems and weapons storage locations, several US officials said.
3 Heat alert issued for Auckland: 'Keep hydrated'
MetService has issued a heat alert for Auckland as high temperatures and humidity combine for another sweltering day.
The temperature is expected to peak at 27C, but the added humidity prompted the warning.
4 Op shops busy as hard times bite
Op shops across the country are seeing a significant rise in sales — and it's not just a good bargain driving people to the trend.
Auckland City Mission fundraising and reputation manager Deb Ward said Christmas "is always a busy time" at the mission's op shops as Kiwis hunt for presents or gifts for themselves.
Read the full story here.
5 Environmental watchdog called in over Greymouth landfill
The West Coast Regional Council has called in the Environmental Protection Authority following its ongoing investigation of "potential contaminant discharges" from the Taylorville Resource Park.
The council announced today it has transferred its investigation to the agency to ensure "impartiality and comprehensive expertise" around the Coal Creek private landfill, 5km east of Greymouth.
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