Six commercial premises in Christchurch were burgled during a coordinated crime spree on Saturday morning, with all break-ins occurring within a 90-minute window.
The targeted businesses included a pharmacy and multiple liquor stores, Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel confirmed. Police believe the burglaries are connected.
Offenders used two stolen vehicles in the first three break-ins, which occurred on Ensign Street around 5:40am. One stolen car was abandoned after being used to ram-raid a liquor store in Wigram.
A burglary on Hawke Street occurred around 6:40am. Police spotted a suspect vehicle on QEII Drive following that break-in but did not pursue it due to dangerous driving.
The suspect vehicle was found abandoned on Dunbarton Street in Redwood around 7:10am. Another vehicle was stolen near where the suspect vehicle was left.
The affected businesses are still determining what was stolen. Police are pursuing all available lines of investigation.