Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, February 7, 2023
An investigation has been launched after an aggravated robbery in Hamilton on Saturday, 4 February 2023 that has left a member of the public injured.
Police were called to a Heaphy Terrace commercial premises at about 2 pm, after a report of three men entering the store armed with a machete and making demands.
One person who was outside the dairy was then assaulted, causing a wound to the shoulder. They were taken to the hospital in moderate condition.
The offenders fled the scene in a vehicle.
Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Andrea McBeth said that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
She said, “This type of violent incident is unacceptable. We are now working hard to identify and locate those involved so we can hold them accountable. We would like to thank those members of the public who were present and who have been very proactive about getting information to us.”
She further assured the public that “We have received several eyewitness accounts as well as footage, all of which will be extremely useful in our investigation. While we want to remind people never to put themselves in harm’s way, we always encourage witnesses to come forward, and we greatly appreciate the assistance today.”
Repeat instances of Robbery
While it was a close call for the dairy owner, who escaped after activating the fog cannon installed, the anxiety and the fear of this happening soon again was evident.
This is the third time the dairy has been attacked in the last 3 months, and the latest incident occurred merely a day after the new door installations were finished. The doors were damaged beyond repair after a car ram raided the front of the dairy last month.
Another attempt was made recently when a group of 4 youths tried to break in after the dairy closed for the day.
Owner Bhupen Patel was visibly distressed and said “I was alone when they entered. It was lucky that I was towards the further end of the store and away from them. I am still shaking as it is scary. They were armed and not hesitant to attack.”
Mr Patel felt terrible that a member of the public was struck when the robbers were on their way out. He said working under constant fear and anxiety is taking its toll on his well-being and he was not sure how long he could continue if the situation did not improve.
Not just a particular type of robbery
While it might seem that only dairies and specific businesses are vulnerable and being attacked, the commercial complex has a restaurant next door which was broken into a few months ago, and a hair salon, which was also attacked in a late-night robbery a few months ago.
Eden, who is a regular at the dairy and lives with her mom in the neighbourhood said, “ It is terrible to see our neighbourhood being attacked again and again. The dairy owners are hard-working people who deserve to be safe. I feel terrible that they have to spend the day in constant fear.”
She said, “ It could be any bystander or a person who is in the store at that moment as they are in harm’s way. It is not safe for anyone and today’s robbery has proved it.”
Police Appeal for Information
Anyone who witnessed this incident and who has not yet spoken with the Police is encouraged to do so.
They can get in touch by calling 105 and quoting event number P053535896.
If you wish to give information anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink correspondent based in Hamilton.
