CYFs teens in 'mini crime wave' in South Island

Two teenagers in CYFS care committed a "mini crime wave" in the lower South Island this weekend before they were arrested by police.

Acting Sergeant Brent Kingsland said the pair, both 15-years-old, ran away from their home in Dunedin and hitchhiked to Invercargill in the early hours of Saturday morning.

On the way, Mr Kingsland said they stole alcohol and food from an address just outside of Balclutha.

In Invercargill, it is alleged the pair assaulted a young male waiting to cross an inner city street in an unprovoked attack, were involved in an incident at the H&J Smiths store, and then kicked vehicles and property along Tay and Kelvin streets before they were appended by police around 10.30am.

Police would like to hear from any persons who witnessed the youths assaulting the man or damaging vehicles or property in the Tay and Kelvin streets area.

Any information should be passed on to Constable Nigel Watkinson of the Invercargill police.

- NZ Herald staff