The 18-year-old was one of six criminals who robbed the Bayfair jewellery store in January, armed with weapons as they smashed cabinets, threatened staff, and left with more than $250,000 worth of jewellery.
The teenager has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the crime, along with a second aggravated robbery at a second business.
Judge Thomas Ingram said this kind of criminal behaviour has become ‘endemic’ and that a strong message of deterrence was required in response.
“Unless or until the courts approach offending of this kind with significant deterrent sentences, then the offending is likely simply to continue as it has done over the last few years,” he said.
The incident in January marked the third time in 10 months that thieves had targeted this Michael Hill Store.
The New Zealand government recently confirmed reforms to address severe retail crime. Industry representatives criticised the reforms, suggesting they didn’t go far enough.
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