Thieves flee after ramming police car

Photo / File

Burglars who rammed a police patrol car at a major Hastings motorway intersection today were no match on foot as officers chased them down minutes later in Camberley.

Hastings police sergeant Neil Baker said staff were dispatched to Flaxmere where three men had been disturbed trying to burgle a house at about 4.45pm.

"Police were given a description of their vehicle which was located nearby but the vehicle failed to stop. Following that, there was a pursuit and during that time, a police car had been damaged at the roundabout at State Highway 50 and Omahu Rd,'' he said.

Mr Baker said the patrol car had initially managed to pull up in front of the vehicle at the busy intersection.

"But it was rammed by the offending vehicle to get away. It carried on into Camberley, at which point, the occupants have decamped on foot.''

Police units from Hastings, Havelock North and Napier arrived to begin a search of the neighbourhood. Police dogs were available but unable to be used because of the number of people who came out of their homes after hearing the sirens.

The getaway car was spotted and police officers opted to pursue them on foot.

"There was a short foot chase and two of the offenders were apprehended that way and the third was located at a house in Camberley.''

Mr Baker agreed the officers "were fit'' and "two of our finest''.

All three offenders have been arrested and are in custody. No one was injured and the stolen property has been recovered from the initial burglary.

"Our inquiries are still ongoing but it is a good result,'' Mr Baker said. "The three offenders are all adults and they will be appearing in court soon on a raft of charges which have yet to be determined.''