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Offenders have smashed and barged their way into at least five stores in Hawke’s Bay in a three-hour early morning crime wave, leaving retailers “shaken” and picking up the pieces.

Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said the incidents, believed to be linked, began at 4.25am on Wednesday, and included threats to staff at the one business open at the time.

Te Mata Four Square in Havelock North. Photo / Patrick O'Sullivan

The first attempted burglary was at Te Mata Four Square in Havelock North. The offenders, in a Mazda Demio, smashed the store’s glass but left empty-handed because they were unable to get into the cigarette cabinet.

About 5am, the suspects attempted to break into a second store on the corner of Bridge Street and Waghorne Streets, Ahuriri, Patrick said.

The spree then continued at a store on Hill Road, Bay View - believed to also be a Four Square - where police said the offenders used two vehicles to smash through the glass entrance.

Not long after, an aggravated robbery attempt was reported at a service station on Main North Road, Bay View. Patrick said two individuals entered the station, threatening staff and demanding cigarettes.

The Mazda Demio was later found abandoned at a Bay View service station.

The final incident occurred on Windsor Avenue, Parkvale, at 7.25am, where offenders broke into a store and smashed a freezer with a hammer before fleeing when the store’s fog cannon activated.

Police were currently conducting scene examinations and had spoken with affected store owners, Patrick said.

“These actions have left a number of retailers having to pick up the pieces this morning, and a number of retail workers feeling understandably shaken.”

She asked the public to report any information that may assist in locating and arresting the offenders.

For information that might help our inquiries into this matter, contact Police via 105 and quote file number 241113/1542.