Police were called at about 5.30am after five people wearing masks and carrying weapons entered a service station on Harbourside Drive. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Several youths have been arrested after they were chased by police following a robbery at a South Auckland service station this morning.
Counties Manukau Detective Inspector Karen Bright said police were called at about 5.30am after five people wearing masks and carrying weapons entered a service station on Harbourside Drive in Karaka.
Staff activated a fog cannon and hid at the back of the store, Bright said.
"The group has proceeded to take cash, vapes and cigarettes before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
"Thankfully no one was injured, however, staff are understandably shaken."
None of the young offenders were carrying firearms, she said.
The stolen vehicle was located abandoned on Pitt Avenue in Manurewa, Bright said.
Officers saw two people known to police in another vehicle and after a short pursuit, both occupants were taken into custody on Boulderwood Place, she said.
The three other suspects were tracked down after an extensive search effort, Bright said.
"Three other people were also seen by members of the public running through businesses in the area.
"Thanks to the information provided by our community, all three were rounded up by using the Police Eagle helicopter, Delta dog unit and officers on the ground."
Two 20-year-old men and two teenagers aged 15 and 14 have appeared in Manukau District Youth Court today charged with aggravated robbery.
An 18-year-old has also been charged with failing to stop.
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