A 12-year-old boy steered while his mate, also 12, operated the pedals as they tried to steal a diesel tanker from a Whangarei roadworks site, say police.
The pair only managed to travel 400m before they were stopped and they could face charges of burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle following the Sunday afternoon incident, the Northern Advocate reported.
A neighbour saw the pair push over a mesh netting fence, start the truck and drive off along public roads before they were stopped, Whangarei police Sergeant John Larkin said.
They have been referred to the police Youth Aid section of the Whangarei police.
Andrew Campbell, managing director of construction company United Civil, said he was thankful no one was injured but was angry the compound had been broken into.
"It's extremely disappointing kids as young as this are getting their thrills by joyriding," Mr Campbell said.
The break-in has forced the company to look at its security measures.
- NZPA
Boys steal diesel tanker
File photo / Martin Sykes
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