Waikato police have made a significant number of arrests in recent days – including four in Te Awamutu.
They say four young people were caught after fleeing from police following the burglary of a store in the town just after 1.30am last Friday.
Ngati Haua kaumatua Sonny Karena (left) performs a karakia as superintendent Bruce Bird and police commissioner Andrew Coster prepare to unveil the station plaque at the opening of Cambridge Police Station. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins.
In a statement police said they arrested several adults and youths over the course of the holiday weekend for a series of incidents.
“Our staff have arrested a number of people this weekend for their part in burglaries, car thefts and driving offences, including fleeing police.” District Commander Waikato Superintendent Bruce Bird said.
A long list of incidents were covered in the police statement.
They used spikes near Tīrau to halt a vehicle after its driver was chased having been approached by police near Rotorua. Four people ran from te vehicle and attempted to hijack another car. Three males aged 16 and 17 have been charged with burglary, demanding with intent to steal, and unlawfully using a motor. A fourth has been referred to youth aid.
“The victim and their children were terrified because of this cowardly act, and will be referred to Victim Support,” Bird said.
Spikes were also used at Nawton, Hamilton last Friday night after police received reports of stolen cars travelling in tandem. One car was found to be carrying weapons. Four youths were arrested. It was one of three incidents reported in Dinsdale and Nawton resulting in arrests.
Five youths as young as 11 involved in a string of burglaries were arrested after a ram raid in Morrinsville and burglary at Waihi Beach. The vehicle they were in was stopped at Puketaha.
Bird said the actions of some offenders had been “incredibly dangerous”.
