Several youths are contemplating breakfast in custody this morning following the recovery of three stolen cars in Hamilton early this morning.
Sergeant Charles Burgess of the Hamilton Police said the first car was recovered about 2.30am.
"It had been stolen from a Bellmont Ave address and tracked down by officers a short distance away in Chartwell's to Sefton Cres.
"After a short pursuit the three occupants fled from the car on foot with pursuing officers catching one man and a responding dog and handler accounting for another. The third male is still at large this morning."
There was no time for the Police dog to enjoy a well deserved bone however because just as things were winding up in Chartwell Police were called to a ram-raid at Maeroa store.
"It appears a red Mazda car had been driven through the Maeroa Superette on Rimu St, a quantity of cigarettes was taken and we believe three cars were used by the offenders to break into the store and then make their getaway," said Mr Burgess.
"A responding dog handler spotted a silver Nissan Skyline with no tail lights on Avalon Dr and began a pursuit that ended with the occupants abandoning their car on Brightwell Pl in Nawton."
Mr Burgess said three males fled from the stolen Skyline with the dog handler managing to track down two of them, one 16 and one 18-year-old male.
"Not long after that Police were called by a resident of Ranui St who noticed a car idling next to hers, it turned out to be an abandoned red Mazda that had rolled into her car.
"We believe it was this car that was used in the Maeroa ram-raid," he said.
End
Andrew McAlley
Communications Manager
Waikato Police District
07 834 9444
027 296 2396
andrew.mcalley@police.govt.nz
