Kerikeri car thieves caught in the act

Three would-be thieves got more than they bargained for on Tuesday evening in Kerikeri.

Three would-be thieves got more than they bargained for on Tuesday evening in Kerikeri, when they were busted in the act not once, but twice.

Police sprang into action around 5:20 pm after getting reports of a trio allegedly trying to break into a car in a carpark on Aranga Road. Thanks to a vigilant citizen who notified the cops, the trio took off on foot.

Kaikohe Area Prevention Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Greg Johnson, credited the quick response to the detailed description from the informant and the sharp eye of CCTV.

But the trio wasn’t done. Shortly after, another call came in—this time, the same group was allegedly trying to break into another vehicle on Butler Road. With police already on the hunt, they soon nabbed the suspects on Cannon Drive without a hitch.

A 16-year-old has been charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and attempted unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. He was due in Kaikohe Youth Court yesterday. The other two, aged 12 and 13, have been referred to Youth Aid.

Acting Senior Sergeant Johnson praised the community for their quick action: “I would like to acknowledge both separate members of the public who reported seeing the group allegedly attempting to break into these vehicles, allowing us to quickly get on scene.”

He urged everyone to stay vigilant: “It takes everyone working together to keep our communities safe, so I encourage everyone who sees something suspicious taking place to report it to us as soon as possible.”

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