Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Rotorua police have arrested a teenager for multiple ram-raid burglaries across the Bay of Plenty.
Area Prevention Manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said on Wednesday, Tauranga police spiked a group of stolen vehicles on State Highway 36.
A 17-year-old man was apprehended and has been charged with 20 offences, relating to ram raid burglaries across the region, as well as motor vehicle thefts and dirt bike riding in Rotorua.
"We are sending a clear message that we won't tolerate this kind of offending," Gillbanks said.
"Police understand the impact this type of crime is having on our communities, and we are committed to holding offenders to account."
The police have made two further arrests relating to reckless dirt bike riding in Rotorua, as part of Operation Themis.
Gillbanks said two 17-year-old youths have been arrested and charged with multiple driving offences, including operating a motor vehicle recklessly, failing to stop for police, and unlawful assembly provoking others to disturb the peace.
The police have also seized two motorbikes.
"Inquiries are ongoing and further arrests and trail bike seizures are expected."