Teens flee police in vehicle stolen from church car park

Police have caught five teenagers in a vehicle allegedly stolen from an east Auckland church car park.

At about 9.15pm last night, April 6, officers on patrol observed a vehicle that was travelling on Murphys Road in Flat Bush and which had previously been reported as stolen from the car park.

Counties Manukau East Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says within minutes the police’s Eagle helicopter was overhead and quickly gained observations on the vehicle, which was headed south.

“Units were able to successfully spike the car in Papakura, however five occupants got out and attempted to flee from police.

“All five were swiftly apprehended, with three of the group remanded in custody.”

Cook says the result highlights the great work from all police staff involved in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

“It’s disappointing to see these young people out committing unlawful takings and we hope these arrests reassure our locals that police are patrolling, responding and holding offenders to account.”

One person, aged 16, will appear in Manukau Youth Court today, April 7, charged with unlawful interference with a motor vehicle and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

Three people, aged 14-16, have been charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and will also appear in the Manukau Youth Court today.

A 13-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services.