Five teenagers have been arrested after a masked group – armed with machetes and a knife – raided an east Auckland karaoke bar and led police on a chase.
Staff at the 123 Karaoke Bar on Gooch Pl in Somerville called police about 1.40am this morning after the group walked in and demanded cash.
A staff member told 1News four of the group carried machetes and a fifth had a short knife.
Detective Senior Sergeant Veronica McPherson said the group climbed over a counter where they took the till and several other items.
"The offenders fled in a vehicle, which was abandoned on Windsong Court.
"From there, the offenders got in a stolen Nissan, which was sighted by officers shortly after the aggravated robbery."
Police pursued the Nissan through Ōtāra, Manukau and Māngere before it was abandoned it in Favona and the occupants tried to run. McPherson said "all five were quickly located and taken into custody".
No one was hurt during the robbery.
McPherson said police have no tolerance for this type of crime. "Employees and business owners deserve to go to work and not be confronted by this violent behaviour."
An 18-year-old man was due to appear in Manukau District Court today, charged with aggravated robbery, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.
Four others, aged 15-17, faced charges of aggravated robbery, unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
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