A group of alleged burglars on the hunt for booze instead ended up in custody in Clarks Beach on Monday morning.
Senior Sergeant Jeremy Steedman, Counties Manukau South Response Manager, says at about 1.30am Police received a report of an attempted break in at a liquor store on Seaway Road.
"A group of four males tried to enter the store by kicking the front door and hitting the glass with a hammer," he says.
"However they were unsuccessful in gaining entry and fled the area after drawing attention from neighbouring properties with all the noise."
The group left in a vehicle and headed onto the motorway, passing a Police unit on the way.
"Due to the manner of driving Police did not follow the vehicle as it sped north towards Takanini," Senior Sergeant Steedman says.
"Eagle was quickly in the air and was able to monitor from a distance."
The vehicle exited at Takanini and one alleged offender got out, before the car sped off again back onto the motorway.
"The vehicle continued on to East Tāmaki where it was dumped at a bus stop in the Ōtara town centre," Senior Sergeant Steedman says.
"Three occupants ran into the township where they were quickly located by the dog unit, Delta and taken into custody."
Senior Sergeant Steedman says subsequent enquiries discovered the vehicle had been stolen from Flat Bush the night before.
"We are pleased we have apprehended these alleged offenders and that they will answer for their actions," he says.
"Police have zero tolerance for this type of offending."
Four males aged between 15 and 17 have been referred to Youth Aid.
