Police in South Auckland have labelled the actions of a group of young thieves who robbed a Papakura dairy "deplorable and disgusting".
Counties Manukau district prevention manager, Inspector Dave Glossop, said police were still investigating the incident, which saw up to 10 teenagers storm the Redhill Superette and took $2500 worth of items from the store early yesterday evening.
Two shop keepers behind the counter are shown in CCTV footage arming themselves with a hockey stick and cricket bat. The youths, however, continue loading items including cigarettes into their arms before taking off.
Mr Glossop said: "We're experiencing a lot of youth offending at the moment, particularly where offenders are a lot younger than we're used to.
"I've watched the footage myself - they were running amok. Their actions were deplorable."
Co-owner of Redhill Superette in Papakura Indy Purewal said about 10 teenagers, who he believed were all locals, came to the store about 5pm yesterday wanting to buy cigarettes.
The store workers refused to serve them as they didn't have identification, he said.
About half the group started yelling at the two workers and taking items, while others remained outside, Mr Purewal said.
One of the youths took a worker's iPhone6s, while another grabbed a large handful cigarettes, he said.
Other items were also taken and another youth tried to break into the shop till, he said.
The youths threw sticks at the two workers, who defended themselves with a hockey stick and cricket bat, Mr Purewal said.
"The boys were really scared; they were trying to defend themselves and the store," Mr Purewal said.
Mr Purewal said the family had owned the store for 21 years and had been robbed about 17 or 18 times.
"We average about one robbery a year. It's not just us, there's other businesses around here and there's been quite a few break-ins at houses as well.
"I shared the video online because I think people need to be aware this is going on."
A Counties Manukau police spokeswoman said police wouldn't comment on the incident as it was under investigation.
However, Counties Manukau police said on Facebook: "We are following some excellent leads and hope to have apprehended these offenders quickly".
