Police investigating a spate of a burglaries in which brazen thieves have netted up to $40,000 from service stations across Auckland, have identified two suspects.
One of the youths is already on bail on burglary charges and the other is wanted for burglary.
Police were able to identify
Kale Alex Williams, 17, and Corey Campbell, 18, after members of the public responded to a photo and story about Operation Rhino that appeared in the Herald last week.
The 16 burglaries, which started in May, on the North Shore, Whangaparaoa, Howick and East Tamaki, have occurred late at night or in the early morning when the service stations are closed.
The thieves forced their way through the front doors or other parts of the building, mostly raiding the till or safe but also stealing cigarettes and phonecards.
Police last week stepped up their patrols of non-24 hour petrol stations and are working closely with BP which has been hit at least eight times.
At least one of the offenders does not disguise himself in any way. Police think one of the youths may be a lookout while the other breaks into the stores.
Howick Senior Sergeant Andrew Berry said police wish to speak to Williams and Campbell about the burglaries.
Williams has 16 warrants out for his arrest after failing to appear in court on burglary, drug and driving offences.
Campbell is wanted for breach of court bail, having been released on burglary charges.
The most recent sighting of the pair was in St Heliers.
"They're both on the run, they both know that police are searching for them and they're taking active steps to avoid us," Mr Berry said. "The warning that goes with that is if people are considering helping them avoid detection from police and we find out, then we will charge them."
* If you see the youths call 111 or, if you have information on their whereabouts, phone call Constable Matt Tierney on 021-419-052 or the North Shore confidential text line 027-27-27- 669.
