Teen pair nabbed over bike theft

Still from the surveillance video showing the burglars in action. Photo / Supplied

A pair of thieves filmed allegedly stealing bikes and smashing their way into a Mangere Bridge home have been caught.

The two teenagers were recognised by extended family who notified police.

Otahuhu Police confirmed they had arrested an 18-year-old male who was handed over to police by his father after another family member recognised him. A 15-year-old was being dealt with through the Youth Court.

Last week the Herald on Sunday reported on the crime as part of an article on victims turning to the internet to pursue offenders.

The home owner, who wanted to be identified only as Jon, also posted a $5000 reward in hope of catching the teenagers. The reward was not claimed.

Jon was home at the time of the burglary and said putting the images and video clips online led to the arrest. "If it wasn't for getting that footage out I believe they would still be out there."

Jon was glad to get his bikes back but he said it was the terrifying moment the pair used an axe to break in and smash windows that bothered him.

"It was the audacity of these guys who knew people were home. There were dogs barking and alarms sounding and they then decided to come in," he said.

"They knew I was in here. It could have been a different scenario."

Crime statistics published in last week's Herald on Sunday were incorrect. The correct figures for unlawful entry with intent/burglary and break and enter in 2011 are: Waitemata recorded 5752, resolved 665; Auckland recorded 8909, resolved 721; Counties/Manukau recorded 7010, resolved 1169.