Five youths apprehended after Manukau police chase

At around 12.45am, police noticed a vehicle of interest on Porchester Road, Papakura. Photo / NZME

Five youths as young as 12 years old have been apprehended after an early morning police chase in a stolen car in Manukau, Auckland.

Police said they have “successfully put five more people before the courts” following yet another night of fleeing-driver events.

At around 12.45am, police noticed a vehicle of interest on Porchester Rd, Papakura, and signalled for it to stop but it failed to do so.

Counties Manukau central area inspector Mark Chivers said the vehicle, believed to be stolen, was observed by the Police Eagle helicopter travelling throughout the Southmall area.

“The vehicle has been spiked but the driver continued to drive recklessly throughout the Manurewa area before eventually coming to a stop on Cavendish Dr.

“Five youth offenders were located hiding nearby and arrested without incident,” Chivers said.

Two 16-year-olds will appear in court today charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle.

Another 16-year-old was charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop and dangerous driving.

A 12- and 13-year-old were referred to Youth Aid Services.

“It’s only a matter of time before such selfish behaviour results in themselves or an innocent member of the public being hurt.”

In a separate incident just an hour later, police in Counties Manukau East were made aware of a vehicle of interest travelling north on SH1 before exiting at Highbrook.

Counties Manukau east area inspector Rakana Cook said the vehicle was spotted travelling in tandem with another car and both failed to stop when signalled by police.

“No pursuit was initiated, instead Eagle continued to track both vehicles and provided commentary to staff on the ground.

“The vehicles were followed to an address on Ti Rakau Drive where the occupants from both vehicles got out and entered a premises,” Cook said.

A 21-year-old woman will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving without a license and possession of methamphetamine.

A 33-year-old man charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle will also appear in Manukau District Court today.