Waikato Police are urging parents and guardians to ensure they know the whereabouts of their children at all times and if they can't look after them, seek help.
Western Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Paul Carpenter, said the call comes after the arrest of two brothers aged 14 and 15-years-old for the burglary of a Leamington liquor store early this morning.
"The store is on the corner of Shakespeare and Raleigh Streets and thankfully for us, and the store owner, neighbours reported hearing a disturbance outside about 3.15am.
"It appears the brothers biked past the store, hid their bikes over a fence and used a metal grate from a drain to smash the store's large front window. The pair then entered the store, went to the back door and bought in two wheelie bins and proceeded to fill them full of alcohol."
Mr Carpenter said the pair then left with the wheelie bins but had to abandon them with the arrival of responding Police.
"The pair tried to evade capture by climbing over the fences of a number of properties but were tracked by our officers with the assistance of a Police dog and handler to a Campbell St address and arrested.
"The boys were kept in custody overnight and will appear in the Hamilton Youth Court today and Child Youth and Family have been advised of the incident."
Mr Carpenter said the involvement of children and young persons in dishonesty offending and
having access to alcohol is a focus for Police and partner agencies working to prevent such incidents.
"This morning's burglary and subsequent arrests highlight the need for parents and caregivers to be aware of their children's locations at all times and if they need help, to speak out.
"Our focus is prevention first, not dealing with the aftermath. We work with our partner agencies to prevent situations like this from occurring but the first indications are in the homes themselves and we encourage parents, caregivers and guardians to seek help, advice and guidance at the earliest opportunity."
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