Four masked burglars ransacked an East Auckland property on Wednesday morning. Photo: Supplied
Residents of an East Auckland household have been left traumatised after four masked burglars broke into their property in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Armed with hammers, the burglars left the Pakuranga Road property shortly after 2am with more than $800, bank cards and a car key, among other items.
Sun, who spoke on the condition that only his family name be used due to fear of retribution, was asleep with his girlfriend before waking to find three masked burglars in the room, one armed with a hammer.
The burglars demanded money, threatening to kill the pair.
Sun was punched several times during the attack after initially trying to defend himself.
Four masked burglars ransacked an East Auckland property on Wednesday morning. Photo: Supplied
A female flat mate named Wu, who also spoke on the condition that her family name be used due to fear of retribution, was woken by a fourth person holding a hammer who also demanded money.
"He said, 'Don't scream or I will kill you'," Wu said. "I was in shock."
Sun and his girlfriend were thrown into Wu's room after a tussle and watched by one of the burglars while the others approached the door to their fourth flat mate's room.
The burglars forced their way into the room, punching the flat mate, smashing his mobile phone and taking $800 in cash.
The thieves ransacked the property and left within 10-15 minutes, Sun said.
They reported the burglary as soon as the offenders left, with police responding within minutes.
Sun's flat mate was attacked during the burglary. Photo: Supplied
Sun said two bags were stolen containing a wallet and bank cards. His car key was also missing.
Wu said three mobile phones had been stolen.
Sun had heard about similar incidents happening in retail outlets but never imagined it could happen at home.
"We dare not sleep after this," Sun said, reminding households to be more vigilant, and keep doors and windows shut.
Wu said she was still in shock.
"I was in a panic for a while," Wu said. "I worried that they would hurt us, threatening our safety. It was traumatic."
Police said they were investigating the incident.
