Suspects referred to Youth Aid after bakery, vape store, targeted

An east Auckland bakery and vape store are the latest targets of thieves who appear to believe they have the right to help themselves to other people’s property.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, of Counties Manukau Police’s criminal investigation branch, says officers responded to reports of an alleged burglary at a commercial address in Springs Road, East Tamaki, at about 11.25pm on Sunday, December 3.

A group of people had broken the front door of the Dark Vapes store, which has been previously targeted by burglars on multiple occasions.

“Despite the initial damage, those involved were unable to gain entry and returned to their vehicle before leaving the address,” Vickers says.

A short time later, police received a report of a second incident on Ti Rakau Drive, where a vehicle was used to gain entry into Pakuranga Bakery.

CCTV footage of the incident published online shows several people getting out of a hatchback vehicle before it’s reversed into the front of the bakery multiple times.

At least four people are then seen running toward the damaged store to try to gain entry.

Several of the thieves appear to be carrying what resemble hockey sticks.

After taking items from inside the bakery they get down on the floor to crawl back out underneath the security screen, which has been pushed in.

The group runs across the car park to a waiting vehicle and get into it before fleeing, while the vehicle used in the ram-raid burglary was left parked in front of the bakery.

“Police understand the same group has been responsible for both incidents,” Vickers says.

“Those involved have entered the premises and taken some items, before leaving the scene in a second vehicle, leaving the other behind at the address.”

Just after midnight on December 4, police were then alerted to this vehicle travelling in Glen Innes and located it as while travelling in a dangerous manner from Pakuranga towards Manurewa.

Vickers says police successfully deployed spikes towards the vehicle on the Orams Road overbridge.

“The vehicle has eventually crashed into a fence on Weymouth Road, where four youths were subsequently taken into custody a short distance away.

“Four people have since been referred to Youth Aid.”

Police will not tolerate such careless behaviour in the community, Vickers says.

“This was a reckless incident, which could have resulted in serious harm or loss of life to those involved.

“Our message to those who choose to continue to engage in this offending is: You will be held to account.”

Police enquiries are ongoing to locate another two people who are believed to be involved in the incidents.

Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact police via the 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report, referencing file number 231204/8366.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.