Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police are investigating several serious incidents involving youth offenders in Christchurch.
The first alleged incident occurred outside of a gym in Wigram before 6pm on Tuesday, where a vehicle was stolen, before four young people threatened to take another person's car outside a store in Hornby.
Another incident occurred before 10pm, when a 17-year-old was targeted as he stepped off a bus on Mackworth Street in Woolston, police said.
A vehicle he described as Toyota Aqua attempted to run him over, before one of the offenders got out of the vehicle and tried to steal his cell phone.
Just 45 minutes later on Skyhawk Road in Wigram, a group of young people allegedly threatened another person, before taking their phone and their dog, which has since been located.
A vape store on Stanmore Road was then targeted at 4.36am, after offenders smashed their way in, police said.
The offenders fled as soon as police arrived, and in such a dangerous manner, a pursuit was not possible.
Canterbury metro area commander Superintendent Lane Todd said early inquiries led police to believe all offences were related.
"We now have a number of officers working to identify and locate the people involved," he said in a statement.
"This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we will ensure they are held accountable for their dangerous and reckless actions which has left a number of victims extremely shaken.
"We will be ensuring they receive Victim Support alongside ongoing police support."
Forensic examinations are underway at the scenes and of vehicles located.
Anyone with information can contact police online or call 105 using reference number P060294419.
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