A 12-year-old boy was among a group caught by police after allegedly carrying out a ram-raid burglary at an east Auckland shopping complex.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau Police’s criminal investigation branch says police have made four arrests following a burglary at an electronics store at Ormiston Town Centre.
“A vehicle was used to force entry into the centre, and subsequently the store, at around 3.30am on September 7.
“A range of electronic goods were stolen during the burglary and the group of offenders fled in a second vehicle.”
Bright says police spotted the vehicle travelling south toward Papakura.
The vehicle was eventually abandoned on Dominion Road and all four occupants were arrested.
“Those arrested were males aged between 12 and 15,” she says.
“Two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old have since been charged with burglary and are before the Manukau Youth Court.”
A spokesperson for the shopping centre says: “This was a distressing incident for those who were impacted by it and our primary concern at all times is the health and safety of our retailers, customers and visitors to Ormiston Town Centre.
“We thank the police for their work and will continue to collaborate with them where possible to help mitigate the risk of these incidents occurring in the future.”
Ormiston Town Centre has been a high-profile target for ram-raiders since it opened for business several years ago.
In May, 2022, police made multiple arrests and executed a series of search warrants as part of an investigation into a burglary at the centre the previous month.
Three stolen vehicles were allegedly used in the incident, which saw multiple offenders enter three stores and take electronic items and clothing.
Bright said at the time six search warrants were carried out following the early morning incident on April 26.
“We executed five warrants in Counties Manukau and one in Northland, which has resulted in the apprehension of three young people.
“We have charged two 15-year-olds with burglary and unlawfully takes, with a third young person being referred to Youth Aid.”
The two people charged were to appear in the Manukau and Whangārei Youth Courts.
“Additionally, investigators have summonsed a 22-year-old man to the Manukau District Court as part of our enquiries,” Bright said.
He was due to appear in court on a charge of receiving stolen property.
Shortly after that incident the town centre was targeted in another ram-raid, but this time security guards at the scene tried unsuccessfully to apprehend the offenders.
Thieves allegedly used a stolen vehicle to break into a jewellery store just before 2am on April 8.
A photo posted to social media showed several doors at an entrance to the retail complex damaged and askew, creating a path into the building.
“A stolen vehicle was used in the incident before multiple offenders have entered the store and stolen a number of items,” a police spokesperson said at the time.
“The offenders have then fled the scene in the same vehicle.”
