Thieves have smashed their way into two large Auckland supermarkets overnight.
Police were called to the Countdown Mt Roskill, on Stoddard Rd, shortly before midnight after reports of an incident at the supermarket.
One of the glass door entrances had been smashed in what appears to have been a smash-and-grab incident.
A police spokeswoman said five people have got out of a vehicle and smashed the front doors of the building to gain entry.
“The offenders have then got back into the stolen vehicle and fled from police,” she said.
It is not known what has been taken.
A witness said the Police Eagle helicopter could be seen hovering over the area shortly afterwards and dog teams were also sent out.
Police said the helicopter tracked the vehicle involved to nearby Farrelly Ave, where it has been abandoned.
“Three offenders ran through properties and into an address on Christini St, where they were taken into custody without incident.”
A fourth person was found at a property in Potter Ave. Police said the youth was found hiding under the house.
The fifth person involved remains outstanding and police are working to find them.
It is understood a number of Coutndown staff were in the store when the incident happened and have activated the supermarket’s alarm system.
Police at the scene told a photographer that those responsible had since been taken into custody.
Less than three hours after police were called to that supermarket, another smash-and-grab incident was reported at the Pak’nSave on Manukau Rd in the suburb of Royal Oak.
The incident happened about 2.30am and a Police helicopter was again spotted hovering over the area shortly afterwards.
Like the earlier incident, those responsible left behind shattered glass after smashing into a glass window near the entrance.
“Cigarettes were [targeted], but the offenders left empty-handed after failing to break the locks,” police said.
A police officer could be seen taking photos of the damage outside the store.
Overnight staff were also working inside at the time, the Herald understands.
Like the earlier incident, those involved used a stolen vehicle that was later abandoned on Haydn Ave.
Children's Minster Karen Chhour weighs in on the incident at a South Auckland YJ facility.