Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen
Four teenagers have been arrested after a crime spree across Hauraki and Waikato overnight, including a ram raid.
The first incident occurred at a commercial premises on Pollen Street, Thames, just after 2.30am.
"A stolen vehicle was used to gain entry to the store," said Inspector Willie Cuthers.
Almost an hour later a service station in Patetonga was burgled, followed by another further south in Tahuna. Neither of these incidents involved ram raids.
Police were on high alert, and spotted the vehicle the suspects were travelling in Morrinsville. They failed to stop, and a short pursuit towards Hamilton ensued, abandoned once police had the car's registration number.
The vehicle's tyres were spiked, and the offenders were arrested in Hamilton East, on the corner of Naylor and Fox streets.
All four were aged between 15 and 17, and have been charged with burglary and unlawful taking.
"These arrests reflect the hard work Waikato police are putting in to respond to ram raids and burglaries," said Cuthers.
"We acknowledge the concern these incidents cause to business owners and to the wider community and reiterate our commitment to holding these offenders accountable.
"We will not tolerate this behaviour in our community and will continue to work hard to ensure our community can be safe and feel safe."