Six young people, aged between 12 and 16 years old, have been arrested following a series of incidents involving interference with vehicles.
The incidents occurred across the Invercargill area over the past 24 hours.
The arrests followed a coordinated Police response after the group targeted multiple vehicles and attempted to evade Police. When arrested in Mataura, Police located tools commonly associated with vehicle offending, along with drugs.
The successful operation highlights the strength of collaboration across several Police workgroups from the region, who worked together to quickly apprehend those responsible.
Four of the young people are appearing in the Invercargill Youth Court today on vehicle-related charges, while two others have been referred to Youth Services.
Police remain committed to continuing to work with partner agencies and the Youth Court to achieve longer-term outcomes that improve community safety.
Police dog handler Acting Sergeant Tim Yaxley say it’s important to hold people to account.
“There is a perception that people think youth offenders aren’t held accountable. Today’s arrests prove otherwise,” he says.
“Vehicle crime has real victims, and the driving behaviour that often follows puts everyone on the road at risk, including the youth themselves. We will continue to hold them to account to keep our community safe.”
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or vehicle-related offending is encouraged to contact Police as soon as possible on 111, or report information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
