Thursday, March 28, 2024

Thieves ransack ambulance station

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Thousands of dollars’ worth of items were stolen during a recent burglary at the St John Ambulance Howick station. Times photo Wayne Martin

Police are working to identify the callous criminals responsible for a burglary at an east Auckland ambulance station.

St John East Auckland territory manager Mark Deoki says the organisation is “appalled” its Howick ambulance station, which is in Pakuranga Road, was broken into overnight on September 24 while ambulance officers were attending emergency call-outs.

“Several doors were smashed and staff lockers and personal cars were broken into,” he told the Times.

“Cash, personal items and clothing, St John uniforms, and a lockbox were taken.

“While St John is working to ascertain the extent of the theft and destruction, it is estimated the value equates to thousands of dollars.”

Deoki says it is “deplorable that anyone would do such a thing with complete disregard to the many people affected”.

He says the incident created an unnecessary and upsetting distraction to the ambulance officers while they were working and attending to patients in challenging emergency health situations.

“Support is being provided to those impacted by the incident.

“NZ Police have been notified and are investigating.”

Deoki encourages anyone with information on the incident, or who saw suspicious activity near the Howick ambulance station late last Friday evening or in the early hours of Saturday morning, to contact police.

A police spokesperson says enquiries are under way following a burglary incident at the St John Ambulance Howick station.

“The incident is reported to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 25.

“Police are making follow-up enquiries into this mater including possible CCTV footage in the area.

“Anyone with information about this incident or who saw suspicious activity on Pakuranga Road in the early hours of September 25 is asked to phone police on 105 quoting file number 210925/7985.

Alternatively, people can phone the free and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.

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