Three teenagers allegedly stealing bikes from other young people at a popular East Auckland park have been caught by Police.
On Sunday afternoon, Police received a number of reports in relation to a group of youths allegedly stealing bicycles around Lloyd Elsmore Park.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Steve Albrey, says a 13-year-old reported that a group of males approached him and stole his bicycle while on Ti Rakau Drive.
"About 30 minutes later a second person reported that the same group had stolen his 14-year-old daughter's bicycle, where she sustained a broken arm after allegedly being pushed off her bike."
Acting Inspector Albrey says a short time later, two of the alleged offenders were sighted on Pakuranga Road.
"Upon seeing Police, the youths rode off at speed towards Lloyd Elsmore Park, however officers blocked in the offenders and quickly took them into custody.
"The bicycle stolen during the first incident was recovered and while staff were dealing with the two alleged offenders, a parent of one of the victims arrived at the location and assisted in identifying a third offender within the park, who was also taken into custody."
He says enquiries established that the third alleged offender had just stolen a bicycle from a third, 12-year-old victim within the park.
"A total of five bicycles were seized from the three alleged offenders and returned to the victims.
"This was a cowardly act, and this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated within our community.
"It's pleasing to be able to share with our local community that, through the support and information provided by members of the public and the proactive efforts of Police, these offenders have been identified and apprehended."
Three people, aged 15, have been referred to Youth Aid Services and enquiries remain ongoing.
