Two teenagers, aged 13 and 16, are due in court in relation to the theft of a car from a car park in Paeroa yesterday.
The car was taken at around 4pm on Tuesday 4 October, 2016, and seen travelling towards Whakatane. The nature of the driving prompted members of the public to contact police over concerns for people's safety.
Police quickly established the vehicle had been stolen and located it near Matata, heading towards Whakatane.
After the driver failed to stop when signalled by police, officers initiated a pursuit. The pursuit was called off at Awakeri, outside Whakatane, due to the way the stolen car was being driven and concerns for public safety.
Using local knowledge and CCTV, police subsequently located the car in Whakatane. They deployed road spikes to stop the vehicle before arresting the two occupants.
A 13-year-old, from Auckland, was placed into the custody of Child Youth and Family and is due to appear in the Family Court at Whakatane on Wednesday 5 October, on a number of driving-related offences.
A 16-year-old, also from Auckland, is due to appear in the Youth Court at Whakatane on Wednesday 5 October, charged with unlawful taking.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre