Four youths have been arrested after a spree of burglaries, including a ram raid, in Auckland overnight.
The ordeal started at around 11:25pm on Sunday evening when officers were alerted to an alleged burglary at Dark Vapes on Springs Road in the suburb of East Tamaki.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers of Counties Manukau said it's understood a group of people had broken the front door.
"Despite the initial damage, those involved were unable to gain entry and returned to their vehicle before leaving the address," Det Insp Vickers said.
But the alleged thieves weren't done there, a short time later police received a report of a ram raid at Pakuranga Bakery on Ti Rakau Drive.
Footage shows significant damage to the bakery, with glass shattered and a security grill inside the window not stopping the offenders.
Det Insp Vickers said it's understood the same group is allegedly responsible for the burglary and the ram raid.
"Those involved have entered the premises and taken some items, before leaving the scene in a second vehicle, leaving the other behind at the address," he said.
The ordeal continued over 8km away when police were alerted to the vehicle travelling in Glen Innes and driving in a "dangerous manner" from Pakuranga towards Manurewa at just after midnight.
Det Insp Vickers said Police successfully deployed spikes towards the vehicle on the Orams Rd overbridge.
"The vehicle has eventually crashed into a fence on Weymouth Road, where four youths were subsequently taken into custody a short distance away," Det Insp Vickers said.
Four people have since been referred to Youth Aid.
Police confirmed to Newshub the four arrested were between the ages of 10 and 17.
Newshub is also aware Vape Pakuranga on Pakuranga Road was targeted by thieves just after 2am but it's currently not clear if the group of youths were responsible for this.
The alarm and fog cannon deterred thieves during the break-in at the vape store.
Det Insp Vickers said Police will not tolerate this type of careless behaviour.
"This was a reckless incident, which could have resulted in serious harm or loss of life to those involved," Det Insp Vickers.
"Our message to those who choose to continue to engage in this offending is: You will be held to account."
Det Insp Vickers said police enquiries are currently ongoing to locate a further two people believed to be involved.
"Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.
"Please reference file number 231204/8366. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."
