Source: Radio New Zealand
One offender was wearing a black beanie, a dark coloured sweatshirt, long pants, and a blue cloth covering their face. NZ Police
Police are investigating a spate of armed robberies in the Hutt Valley, including one where armed offenders threatened staff at a bar in the Hutt Valley before fleeing earlier this month.
The police said that since 10 December 2025, three Hutt Valley bars have been targeted in similar ways where offenders have used weapons, including a firearm, to demand money and other items.
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd said police believe these robberies may be linked.
On Saturday, 10 January, Police were notified of an incident at a bar in King Street in Upper Hutt at about 1.30am.
Todd said two people unlawfully entered the premises with weapons and threatened employees.
“Thankfully, the employees were uninjured, but this incident has understandably left them shaken.
“After making various demands, the offenders fled in a stolen vehicle later located abandoned on Sinclair Street.”
One person was wearing a black beanie, a dark coloured sweatshirt, long pants, and a blue cloth covering their face.
The second offender wore a beanie, a ‘Nike Academy’ sweatshirt with distinctive white stripes, dark coloured pants, distinctive coloured shoes, and wore a cloth over their face.
The second offender wore a ‘Nike Academy’ sweatshirt with distinctive white stripes. NZ Police
Police are seeking information in relation to the robbery, including CCTV or dashcam footage in the King Street and Sinclair Street areas.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may know someone who wears or has worn a Nike brand Men’s Dry Academy Soccer Track Jacket with black and white colouring, similar to the one pictured.”
Todd said one offender’s shoes were quite distinctive and appeared to be a silver/metallic/chrome coloured sports shoe with a reflective logo or marking on the back of the heel. The brand is unknown.
“If you know someone who has worn these shoes previously, please contact us,” Todd said.
The shoes one of the offenders wore. NZ Police
“There are some similarities in aspects of these incidents, which indicate they are likely linked.
“We are always concerned with any offending where firearms are involved and the investigation team is determined to hold these offenders to account.”
Police have contacted a number of bar owners in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District to offer support and talk to them around staff safety procedures.
Anyone with information, or who recognises the clothing in these images, should contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
