Two people have been the victims of a violent carjacking in east Auckland.
Counties Manukau East Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says police responded to reports of an aggravated robbery at an address in Bucklands Beach at about 12.25pm on November 25.
“Two persons were sitting in their car, which was parked on Murvale Drive, when they were approached by a male.
“It’s understood this person has presented a weapon and forced both people out of the car before taking it and fleeing the area towards MacLeans Road.
“This male has also taken a number of personal items, which were in the vehicle at the time.”
A few hours later, just before 5pm, the vehicle, along with two others which are also alleged to have been stolen, arrived at a petrol station in Pakuranga.
Cook says the police’s Eagle helicopter was already above and monitoring the situation after an informant reported one of the vehicles doing burnouts on Pakuranga Road.
“With the assistance of our police helicopter, ground units were guided in and attempted to block in the vehicles.
“However, upon those in the vehicle sighting police, two fled the area and a third was abandoned.”
Police continued to monitor one of the vehicles as it drove dangerously through Pakuranga, eventually reconvening with the second vehicle on Portadown Avenue in the same suburb.
“At this stage, all three individuals were apprehended without further incident,” Cook says.
“This was a volatile incident and a number of police staff attended to bring this to a resolution.
“We thank the members of the public who reported these matters to us in a swift manner, which allowed our staff to respond accordingly.
“We understand the frustration and concern this can cause to our community and we hope these arrests reassure locals police are continuing to work hard to hold those choosing to engage in this sort of behaviour to account.”
Meanwhile, Counties Manukau West Police staff located a dog in one of the vehicles recovered from the incident.
“A few hours later, one of the sergeants noted a dog had been reported stolen from an earlier burglary and recognised the vehicle involved,” Cook says.
“The dog, which was safe and well, was happily reunited with its owner.
“This was fantastic work from police to conclude another incident and bring a resolution to another victim.”
An 18-year-old male is due to appear in the Manukau District Court today, November 27, on charges relating to aggravated burglary and the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.
Two others, both aged 17, have been referred to Youth Aid.
