Counties Manukau Police say a carload of out-of-town teenagers have had their return plans halted after officers stopped their stolen vehicle.
Just before 6am today, August 13, police say they received information a stolen Toyota Hilux was travelling south on the Southern Motorway.
Senior sergeant Simon Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police, says the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Hamilton area.
“It is alleged the vehicle was stolen overnight, and the Police Eagle helicopter deployed to the area.
“The vehicle was picked up in Manurewa, with its location being relayed to staff on the ground.”
Spikes were successfully deployed, but the vehicle carried on, says Cornish.
“It has continued slowly through the wider area, before being slowed further on Stratford Road.
“Units blocked the vehicle in before it could get back to the motorway network.”
Five male occupants, four from the Waikato and one from Bay of Plenty, were taken into custody without further incident, says Cornish.
Those arrested are all aged 16 and 17, including the 16-year-old male driver.
“Police have recovered several items of interest, including tools, from the vehicle so it’s clear that this morning’s arrest has prevented further offending from taking place,” Cornish says.
Police say they’re speaking with several of the vehicle’s occupants in relation to other offending within the Waikato region.
Charges are pending for this morning’s offending, police add.
