Ramraid caught on CCTV

Ramraiders reversed a hatchback into Gun City at speed four times before running in and taking three minutes to load up a getaway car.

CCTV footage from neighbouring business E-Mega Store shows a car pulling up to the left of the building as a hatchback squares up to reverse through Gun City’s entrance.

A figure can be seen lingering outside the store as the car backs out of view, its headlights flashing. The vehicle continues to reverse out of view three more times before the figure runs towards the entrance.

The footage shows the car arrived at the Cranford St, Christchurch, store at 2.27am yesterday and the offenders went in and out of the building several times over the next three minutes. One walks out, followed closely by two people running, before they take off in the getaway car.

Police said four offenders used a stolen green Mazda Demio to break through the roller door at the Redwood store, taking ‘‘several items’’.

Air rifles, ammunition and other weapons are believed to be among the items stolen. Police said they were working to confirm the exact items.

‘‘We understand the concern around events involving firearms,’’ Detective Senior Sergeant Wells said.

‘‘Police are treating this seriously and are pursuing a number of leads to identify these offenders and locate the items they’ve stolen.

‘‘After leaving the store, we know the offenders have travelled south on Cranford St in a stolen black Subaru Forester . . . We would ask motorists who were in the area at the time to check their dashcam footage, and for anyone who may have seen either of these vehicles to get in touch with us.’’

Anyone who saw the Mazda, registration DDF311, or Subaru, LCY783, about this time is asked to call 111 and reference the case number 221202/5373. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

It is understood police believe some of the offenders were teenagers.

Gun City is one of the biggest gun shops in Aotearoa and is part of a chain owned by David Tipple and family. Christchurch has two stores, in Redwood and Sockburn.

Tipple, through a family member, declined to comment yesterday.

Police said they were investigating another burglary in Christchurch overnight, but they were not yet sure if the two were linked.

The Palms Shopping Centre was burgled by three men about 5.20am. A police spokesperson said they left in a small black car.

CCTV was being reviewed in both incidents and police were ‘‘following lines of inquiry’’.