Quick thinking by a shop owner put a group of violent offenders on the back foot and Police closely behind.
A Glen Eden superette owner was preparing to open his store around 6.45am on Tuesday, when five youths with their faces covered arrived outside, in what turned out to be a stolen car.
Inspector Kelly Farrant, Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says the store-owner's rapid reaction literally stopped the offenders in their tracks.
"He quickly pulled the doors closed and prevented the youths entering his Kaurilands Road store. The group abandoned their attempt to get inside and left in a stolen car."
Inspector Farrant says just minutes later a member of the public reported seeing the stolen vehicle nearby in Henderson.
"The offenders got out of the car and fled," Inspector Farrant says. "However, a Police dog handler tracked them to a nearby property."
Five youths, aged between 12 and 14, were arrested and will be referred to Youth Aid for attempted aggravated robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
"I'd like to acknowledge the shop owner's quick action and prompt reporting to Police, which not only prevented further harm but assisted us in identifying who these offenders were," Inspector Farrant says.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the member of the public who recognised the youth were up to no good and phoned police.
"This allowed our people to provide a rapid response and arrest them before the committed further crimes.
"I would like to reassure the community that our staff are working exceptionally hard to ensure the public and business owners are safe and feel safe in our communities."
