Police are investigating after thieves used a vehicle to smash their way into an east Auckland supermarket.
The burglary was carried out at a Countdown supermarket in Highland Park on May 11.
A police spokesperson says: “Around 1.40am, police responded to reports of the burglary on Pakuranga Road, where it is understood a vehicle was used to gain entry.
“The offenders have entered the store and stolen a number of items before being disturbed by staff working inside.
“They then fled the scene in the same vehicle.”
There were 886 ram-raid incidents committed nationwide last year, or roughly one every 10 hours. That figure represents a 551 per cent increase since 2018.
People with information that may assist police with their enquiries into the ram-raid at the Highland Park Countdown can phone 105, quoting reference number P054601067.
Information can also be provided via the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
