10 May 2024

15-year-olds arrested for burglary, fleeing police in south Auckland

3:23 pm on 10 May 2024
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The group broke the windows of vape stores in Māngere and Papatoetoe. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Two teenagers have been arrested for breaking into vape stores around south Auckland, and then fleeing police in a stolen car.

On Wednesday, just after midnight, a group was reported breaking a window at a vape store on Coronation Road in Māngere.

"While not being able to gain access to the store, they have managed to reach through and steal products from the store," senior sergeant Steve Albrey said.

The group fled in a stolen car.

The same night, just after 2.30am, the group broke a window at a vape store on Great South Road in Papatoetoe.

They fled again in the stolen car. After failing to stop for police in East Tāmaki, a police pursuit ensued.

The car drove onto the Southern Motorway heading north, and exited at Princess Street.

Police continued to follow the car through Ōtāhuhu, where on two occasions it slowed down for four of its occupants to get off.

One person was arrested as they fled.

"The driver has continued driving around Ōtāhuhu, and at one stage collided into two parked vehicles including a truck causing moderate damage and stopping the vehicle."

The driver and another person from the group, who fled before, were arrested shortly after.

Three 15-year-olds were caught.

Two of them have been charged with multiple burglary and driving offences, and are to appear in Youth Court later in May.

The third has been referred to Youth Aid.

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