Police have released new details as officers investigate a string of armed bar robberies across the Hutt Valley, including a pair of distinctive metallic‑coloured sneakers they hope someone will recognise.
Three bars have been targeted since December 10 in what officers now believe are likely be linked incidents, with offenders using weapons, including a firearm, to threaten staff and demand cash and other items.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd said the similarities between the robberies indicated they were "likely linked".
"We are always concerned with any offending where firearms are involved and the investigation team is determined to hold these offenders to account."
The most recent incident occurred on January 10, when police were notified of a robbery at a bar on King St in Upper Hutt at around 1.30am.
Todd said two people entered the bar with weapons and threatened employees, who were uninjured but "understandably shaken".
"After making various demands, the offenders fled in a stolen vehicle later located abandoned on Sinclair St."
One offender was wearing a black beanie, a dark coloured sweatshirt, long pants, and a blue cloth covering their face.
The second was wearing a beanie, a 'Nike Academy' sweatshirt with distinctive white stripes, dark coloured pants, distinctive coloured shoes, and wore a cloth over their face.
Of note was a pair of shoes an offender was wearing that Todd described as "quite distinctive".
"They appear to be a silver/metallic/chrome coloured sports shoe with a reflective logo or marking on the back of the heel. The brand is unknown. If you know someone who has worn these shoes previously, please contact us."
Todd said police were seeking information in relation to this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage in the King St and Sinclair St areas.
Bar owners in the Hutt Valley and the wider Wellington District had been contacted by police to offer support and talk to them about staff safety procedures.
Anyone with relevant information on these incidents or who recognises the clothing pictured should contact police on 105 and use the reference number 260110/6662.
SHARE ME