A Police operation in Pukekohe quickly rounded up several persons of interest in recent aggravated robbery investigations.
The situation unfolded on Thursday afternoon with Police resource flooding into the township, resulting in three sought offenders being arrested.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says an off-duty officer located a group near the Michael Hill jewellery store.
One of the group was sought in connection with an aggravated robbery at a Napier Michael Hill store on 3 February, and a Papatoetoe bar on 10 February.
"The group were acting suspiciously near the chain's Pukekohe store before leaving in a vehicle," Detective Inspector Bright says.
"Upon realising the risk that a further robbery may be imminent additional Police resource was deployed into the township; on the ground and in the air.
"Our staff were highly visible and there was nowhere this group could go."
Meanwhile, the National Retail Investigation Support Unit notified Michael Hill whose stores implemented additional security measures.
Prevention patrols were also initiated across the Auckland region at other locations.
- Police strike:
A breakthrough moment came when a unit sighted the vehicle of interest on Manukau Road.
With the Eagle helicopter also overhead, Police had eyes in many locations.
"Despite the vehicle being abandoned on a side road, our frontline staff quickly deployed into the area," Detective Inspector Bright says.
"A short time later, a suspicious activity report came in where a group of young people were seen changing their clothes at a nearby high school.
"Units were soon on scene stopping two young people, while Eagle observed two other males trying to walk away from the area."
They were no match for frontline staff who quickly gave chase on foot on Harris Street, with both males giving up and being arrested.
- Charges laid:
Detective Inspector Bright says with people in custody, the Counties Manukau Major Crime Team worked into the night to lay appropriate charges.
- A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, for the Napier and Papatoetoe incidents, as well as four counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
- A 15-year-old male has also been charged with aggravated robbery over the Papatoetoe incident on 10 February.
- Another 17-year-old male has been charged with aggravated robbery over an incident at a Takanini vape store on 23 January. He also faces several charges relating to vehicle crime.
"This is an outstanding result by every single staff member involved in responding on Thursday," Detective Inspector Bright says.
"Between a highly visible Police response and partnerships with retailers, we have prevented further offending from taking place.
"These young people are now all before the Manukau Youth Court."
