Police have rounded up a group of young people in stolen vehicles across parts of Auckland early this morning.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Ann Wilkie says around 11.18pm Police received reports two suspected stolen vehicles were being driven in tandem on Ridge Road, Howick.
“Our officers located these two vehicles, however before we could initiate a stop one suddenly sped away and began driving erratically at high speed.
“Units did not pursue and alerted Eagle, who took over monitoring the vehicle as it travelled onto the Southern Motorway.”
With Eagle following at a distance the vehicle made its way to Bombay, south of Auckland, before turning around and heading back to East Tamaki.
“The vehicle has exited the motorway and continued through Ōtara, at times crossing over to the wrong side of the road, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic,” Inspector Wilkie says.
“A short time later units were successful in spiking the vehicle on Preston Road, where the driver was taken into custody.”
Meanwhile officers patrolling in Papatoetoe sighted the second vehicle from the original convoy in Howick.
“The vehicle was monitored from above while officers set up spikes, which were successfully deployed a short time later,” Inspector Wilkie says.
After being spiked the vehicle has attempted to accelerate away but didn’t get far.
“The vehicle came to a stop on Scott Road, and the driver taken into custody without incident.”
Inspector Wilkie is pleased units were able to apprehend both alleged offenders and hold them to account.
“These two young people put the public at risk with the dangerous driving they displayed.”
A 17-year-old male will appear in the Manukau Youth Court today charged with unlawful takes, reckless driving, aggravated failing to stop and possessing instruments for drug use.
A 14-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.
