An armed robbery at a jewellery store in Papatoetoe has left a family deeply shaken after the store owner was struck in the head with a hammer. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when masked robbers forcefully entered Pooja Jewellers, seizing trays of jewellery and assaulting the owner.
CCTV footage reviewed by RNZ captured the terrifying moment when the robbers breached the shop’s high-security doors, prompting women and children to seek refuge at the back. Gurdeep Singh, the owner, attempted to confront the assailants but was struck repeatedly with a hammer, leading to severe injuries that required emergency surgery the following day.
The family’s trauma was described by Jaspreet Kandhari, the Indian Business Association’s general secretary, who noted that the entire family was present during the attack and would likely endure lasting emotional effects.
Harish Lodhia, a nearby business owner, recounted a similar harrowing experience earlier in the year, emphasizing the ongoing impact on his staff and business. Despite suggestions to relocate from Papatoetoe, Lodhia expressed reluctance, citing his commitment to supporting his loyal employees.
The robbery has underscored concerns about security in the area, prompting calls for increased police presence from community leaders such as Sunny Kaushal of the Dairy and Business Owners Group. Kaushal stressed the need for robust police response to all incidents, emphasizing the community’s shock and anguish following the violent attack.
In response to escalating concerns, the government announced plans to deploy additional police personnel across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, a move welcomed cautiously by affected business owners hopeful for improved safety and security in the future.