Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Two teenagers have been charged after an aggravated burglary at an Auckland petrol station and burglary of a vape shop in Hamilton.
At about 5.40am three people forced their way inside a petrol station on East Tamaki Road, Ōtara with weapons they were carrying.
The attendant quickly activated a fog cannon and found safety, Detective Inspector Karen Bright said.
"The fog has thwarted their plans and they fled from the store empty handed."
The group fled in the stolen vehicle they had arrived in, Bright said.
"This would have been a frightening ordeal for the attendant, and it is fortunate they did not suffer any physical harm as a result."
The vehicle was found abandoned in Clover Park by the Eagle helicopter and three males were taken into custody at an address nearby.
Two teenagers, aged 14 and 17, were charged with aggravated burglary and unlawfully takes a motor vehicle and were expected in the Manukau Youth Court on Thursday.
The pair were also charged with the burglary of a vape shop in Dinsdale, Hamilton that allegedly occurred just before 3am Thursday.
Further charges or arrests were not being ruled out.
