Robbery investigation leads to two arrests

Two arrests have been made by Police investigating the attempted robbery of a service station in Waihi and the aggravated robbery of a dairy in Katikati on 18 June.

A 19-year-old man from Rotorua was arrested on Monday. He appeared in Rotorua District Court on two charges of assault with intent to rob and is due to reappear on Monday, 2 July. On Tuesday a 17-year-old man from Mangakino was arrested and also charged with two counts of assault with intent to rob. He has been remanded in custody until 17 July. Both cases initially had blanket suppression to protect the ongoing police operation. That interim suppression has today been lifted and the fact that arrests have been made can now be reported.

Bay of Plenty Police are continuing to liaise with colleagues in Waikato investigating the death of Jordan Voudouris but are keen to reiterate that is still not possible at this stage to confirm or discount a link between the robberies and the death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner of Tauranga Police said: "It is vital that these arrests do not deter people with information about the death of Mr Voudouris from contacting the investigation team at Paeroa Police Station. We have to continue treating the incidents as separate investigations unless the time comes when the evidence tells us there is a definitive link."

The robberies remain just one of a number of considerations for the homicide team.

Likewise Police still want to hear from anyone with information about the robberies and those responsible. At least one offender is still outstanding.

Anyone with information relevant to the robberies is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300. Anyone with information about the death of Mr Voudouris is asked to contact Paeroa Police Station on 07 862 8744. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries for the robberies should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256. Media enquiries for the homicide should be referred to Ross Henderson on 027 703 7329.