Four people are facing a raft of charges in relation a robbery, burglary and ram raid in Rotorua and Taupō.

On Wednesday May 22, Rotorua Police responded to the ram raid of a store on Tutanekai Street, and an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Fairy Springs Road.

About 4.30am, police were alerted to a ram raid on Tutanekai Street, where the alleged offenders used a stolen vehicle to gain access to the store, before taking multiple items, says Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen.

The store’s alarm and fog cannon were activated.

Mark says the alleged offenders then fled and stole another vehicle on a nearby street.

He says about 5am, the three people entered the premises on Fairy Springs Road and threatened two staff members.

“Among the items taken from the premises were cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, and cash.

“The alleged offenders then left the premises and travelled to Hamilton and then Auckland.”

In a statement released today, Mark says police executed search warrants in the Hamilton and Auckland areas, resulting in the recovery of a number of items that were allegedly taking during the two incidents.

A 30-year-old woman, and two youths have been charged with aggravated robbery, burglary, and two counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

The woman was remanded on bail and is due to reappear in Rotorua District Court on June 14, says Mark.

“Another youth has been charged with burglary and two charges of unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle following a burglary at a store in Taupō.

“That incident occurred about 3.45am on Sunday, May 19.

“Police were called to Horomatangi Street after entry was gained to the store and a number of items were taken.”

Of the three youths charged, Mark says one will reappear in court on June 14, while two will reappear on June 18.