The Police Eagle helicopter, alongside Police ground crews, has successfully put five more people before the courts following yet another night of fleeing driver events.
At around 12.45am, Police noticed a vehicle of interest on Porchester Road, Papakura and signalled for it to stop but it failed to do so.
Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Mark Chivers, says the vehicle, believed to be stolen, was then observed by the Police Eagle helicopter travelling throughout the Southmall area.
“The vehicle has been spiked but the driver has continued to drive recklessly throughout the Manurewa area before eventually coming to a stop on Cavendish Drive.
“Five youth offenders were located hiding nearby and arrested without incident,” Inspector Chivers says.
“Not only did this group place themselves in danger by continuing to flee police, but they put a large number of other motorists in danger on the roads due to the distance that they travelled.
“These fleeing driver incidents highlight a concerning trend of young offenders having a total disregard for other people’s property, or the safety of other, law-abiding members of the community.
"It’s only a matter of time before such selfish behaviour results in themselves or an innocent member of the public being hurt.”
Two 16-year-old will appear in Manukau Youth Court today charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle.
Another 16-year-old charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop and dangerous driving will also appear in Manukau Youth Court today.
A 12 and 13-year-old were referred to Youth Aid Services.
Just an hour later, Police in Counties Manukau East were made aware of a vehicle of interest travelling north on State Highway 1 before exiting at Highbrook.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says the vehicle was spotted travelling in tandem with another car and both failed to stop when signalled by Police.
“No pursuit was initiated, instead Eagle has then continued to track both vehicles and provided commentary to staff on the ground.
“The vehicles were followed to an address on Ti Rakau Drive where the occupants from both vehicles got out and entered a premises,” Inspector Cook says.
“Police have approached the premises and have taken two people into custody.
“Police work tirelessly to combat crime across our district and I’d like to acknowledge their efforts and the assistance from Eagle to hold these offenders to account.”
A 21-year-old woman will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving without a license and possession of methamphetamine.
A 33-year-old man charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehgi8cle will also appear in Manukau District Court today.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police