Watch: Liquor shop burgled three times in six weeks, owner fears more raids

Author: Jazlyn Whales,
Publish Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2026, 4:10pm

Alleged thieves broke into the store using power tools at about 3.30am on July 25. Composite Image / NZME

A Christchurch business owner fears his liquor store could be targeted again after thieves broke into it three times in six weeks.

Mejar Singh has owned Bottle-O Christchurch Airport for two years and said he had experienced no issues until July 25, when alleged thieves broke into the store using power tools about 3.30am.

In 10 minutes, they took hundreds of dollars’ worth of cigarettes.

Less than a week later, about 4.40am on August 1, the store was broken into again.

“They just broke the glass, and they came in, they took rest of the cigarettes, all the whiskies,” Singh said.

Repeated break-ins at Bottle-O Christchurch Airport have cost the owner stock, glass repairs and insurance excesses.

Then, on Sunday, September 13, about 4.50am, Singh said people entered the building for a third time.

“He could not get any cigarettes, but they took a lot of miniature whiskies, tequilas, everything and they tried to break into that back door, but they could not and they left.

“They just break the glass; we replaced that glass, but they broke it again.”

For Singh, the repeated break-ins have become more than a financial burden.

Mejar Singh fears another break-in after his store was hit three times in quick succession.

Singh said it was “very hard” dealing with three raids in such a short period and he was also frustrated by what he felt was an inadequate police response.

“I got a clear photo of the person as well, like, they wear [a] mask, but I can see them,” he said.

“They should straight away catch those people.”

Singh said his store had CCTV footage that he believed could help police identify and apprehend the alleged offenders.

“I can show the photo, video, everything, and on Saturday morning or Sunday morning, there are not many people or not many cars out there.

“So they can easily find out that person, these persons and their car as well.”

While Singh has insurance, he said it would not cover the mounting costs if his business continued to be hit.

“It’s very hard for me – three times in one and a half months,” he said.

“I know insurance is there, but that costs around $2500 for one claim, and that’s a huge amount, and it’s going to go up in future as well.

“Insurance won’t cover everything… not mental peace.”

This Bottle-O store in Christchurch was last targeted by criminals on September 13. Photo / Anna Heath

For Singh, replacing broken glass and lost stock is only part of the cost.

He said the repeated incidents were also taking a toll on the sense of security he and his staff had at the store.

“Even staff as well, like [they’re] asking me, like ‘oh, what we have to do?’

“Obviously we have policies in place… but definitely they are [a] bit scared nowadays.”

Superintendent Lane Todd, Christchurch Metro Commander, said police were making inquiries into the reported burglaries.

“At this stage, the offenders have not been identified,” Todd said.

“Sometimes, cases are filed when there are no further lines of inquiries or leads.

“This does not mean the case is permanently closed and police will take another look if new information comes to light.”

Todd said he understands retailers can be targets for criminal offending and encouraged them to explore their options through the Retail Crime Prevention Hub.

Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.