Key Takeaways
- Three teenage boys have been arrested after the stabbing of a shopkeeper in Auckland’s Newmarket
- The incident occurred at Hobby Lords store on Broadway, where the boys allegedly stole items before running
- The shopkeeper chased after them and was stabbed, but his condition is reported as moderate
- The 16-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated wounding, while the two 13-year-old boys have been referred to Youth Aid officers
- The community is shocked by the level of violence, with Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce expressing his appall at the incident
Introduction to the Incident
The Hobby Lords store in Newmarket, Auckland, was the scene of a disturbing incident on Tuesday, where a shopkeeper was stabbed by one of three teenage boys who allegedly stole items from the store. The incident occurred at around 5:40pm, when the three boys, aged 13, 13, and 16, entered the store and began stealing items. The shopkeeper, in an attempt to apprehend the thieves, chased after them, but was unfortunately stabbed in the process. The incident has left the community in shock, with many expressing their outrage and concern over the level of violence involved.
The Arrests and Charges
The police were quick to respond to the incident, with Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce leading the investigation. The 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with aggravated wounding, while the two 13-year-old boys were referred to Youth Aid officers. The police were able to apprehend the boys with the help of security guards, who managed to hold the 16-year-old until the police arrived. The two 13-year-old boys were caught at the Newmarket train station, and are currently being dealt with by Youth Aid officers. The swift response by the police and the cooperation of the security guards and witnesses helped to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Reaction of the Community
The community is shocked and outraged by the level of violence involved in the incident. Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce expressed his appall at the incident, stating that the level of violence was unacceptable. The store itself also expressed its concern and disappointment, with a post on its Facebook page stating that "Grabbing Gunpla and running out the door whilst laughing is not very cool." The post was made before the store was aware that one of its staff members had allegedly been stabbed, and it has since been updated to reflect the seriousness of the incident. The community is coming together to support the shopkeeper and the store, with many offering their condolences and well-wishes.
The Incident and its Aftermath
The incident has left the shopkeeper in a moderate condition, with him being taken to Auckland City Hospital for treatment. The store has been left to deal with the aftermath of the incident, with many of its customers and supporters expressing their outrage and concern. The incident has also raised questions about the level of violence and crime in the area, with many calling for increased security and measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The police are continuing to investigate the incident, and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is hopeful that the perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions, and that the shopkeeper will make a full recovery.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident at Hobby Lords store in Newmarket is a disturbing reminder of the level of violence and crime that exists in our communities. The incident has left the community in shock, and has raised questions about the level of security and measures in place to prevent such incidents from happening. The swift response by the police and the cooperation of the security guards and witnesses has helped to bring the perpetrators to justice, and the community is hopeful that the shopkeeper will make a full recovery. The incident is a reminder of the importance of community support and cooperation, and the need for increased measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. As the community comes together to support the shopkeeper and the store, it is also a time for reflection and consideration of the broader implications of such incidents, and the need for a collective effort to prevent them from happening again.