File photo. Photo: 123RF
Three youths have been arrested after reports of cars in Herne Bay, Auckland being broken into with a crowbar.
Police were called just after 3pm on Sunday when a group of males were seen allegedly breaking into vehicles.
Inspector Wayne Kitcher said the group fled in a vehicle after the police arrived.
"The Police Eagle helicopter responded to the area and sighted the vehicle, which was also alleged to have been stolen," he said.
"It is understood this vehicle was taken from an address on Great South Road, Papatoetoe, earlier in the day."
The stolen car was soon abandoned near the intersection of Mayoral Drive and Wellesley Street in central Auckland.
Three occupants were taken into custody without further incident, Kitcher said.
A 16 and a 17-year-old have been charged with unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle and will appear in the Auckland Youth Court today.
A 15-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid.
"We know this sort of offending where people's property is targeted can be incredibly invasive for our community," Kitcher said.
"I would like to acknowledge residents who observed the concerning behaviour and called 111 straight away, meaning police could respond."