Police have arrested six youths who allegedly broke into vehicles in east Auckland.
Counties Manukau East Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says police received reports of cars being broken into in Sunnyhills at about 3.45am on August 16.
The police’s Eagle helicopter was deployed to the area and two vehicles were seen travelling in tandem.
“One of these vehicles came to a stop in Otara after spikes were successfully deployed on Ti Rakau Drive. Five youths were arrested by police.
“Eagle has continued to observe the movements of the second vehicle as it travelled around the Howick and Whitford area.”
Cook says spikes were again successfully deployed on the Panmure Bridge, and the driver was later taken into custody on the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway.
All six youths arrested are aged between 12 and 13 years old and will be referred to Youth Aid.
“I would like to acknowledge the community’s vigilance in reporting this suspicious activity to us, so we can respond,” Cook says.
“A good description was provided to police, and this assisted the Eagle crew when they arrived in the area.”
Police continue to encourage the public to report offending as it happens by phoning 111.
Other matters can be reported after the fact by phoning 105 or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105.
