Five arrested in connection with Auckland robberies, burglaries and ram raids

The charges were laid thanks to Operation Sol. Photo / File

Five teens have been arrested in connection to a spate of aggravated robberies, burglaries and ram raids across Auckland.

Police charged four youths between the ages of 17 and 18 and referred a 15-year-old to Youth Aid Services following the execution of several search warrants in relation to the crimes.

Inquiries were ongoing and police were not ruling out further arrests and charges, Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong of Auckland City Police said.

The charges were laid thanks to Operation Sol, which began in late July and focused on a number of aggravated robberies, aggravated burglaries and ram raids at service stations, liquor and jewellery stores which appeared to have a number of common links.

Armstrong said the operation brought together a large team of detectives which resulted in a coordinated approach to serious crime across a large area, involving collaboration with investigations teams as far as Hamilton.

Police took this kind of offending extremely seriously, and were willing to commit significant resources to catching those responsible, he said.

Those arrested face a range of charges including aggravated robbery, unlawful taking, burglary, breach of supervision, aggravated burglary and escapes custody.

"We acknowledge the traumatic nature of these crimes and the devastating effect it has on victims, not only physically but emotionally too.

"These violent crimes can cause significant financial loss and substantial inconvenience for our communities and the offenders' actions have a ripple effect that flows onto the owners of vehicles that are often stolen to facilitate these crimes. They need to be stopped and held accountable for their actions."

Meanwhile, two more teenagers have been arrested in relation to four aggravated robberies in Hamilton and Te Awamutu.

Detective Sergeant Andre Kavanagh said a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old were arrested today.

It comes after the aggravated robberies of Gasoline Alley in Enderley, Z Energy of Te Awamutu, Z Energy in Dinsdale, and McDonald's Horsham Downs.

The pair were in custody and would appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.

A 17-year-old woman and a 16-year-old man were arrested for the same robberies earlier in the week.

The woman was remanded in custody and the man was bailed.

"Hamilton police are pleased to offer some closure and comfort to the victims of these violent crimes and would like to reassure the public that police are working tirelessly to hold these offenders to account," Kavanagh said.

"We would like to thank the public for their assistance in apprehending these people."

Police asked anyone who saw suspicious activity to report it to police immediately.

Information could be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.