Source: New Zealand Police
Three offenders find themselves charged after a botched getaway with thousands of dollars’ worth of power tools.
Police were advised of a shoplifting at a Grey Lynn hardware store at 4.30pm on Thursday.
“Two offenders had entered the store and allegedly stole around $8,000 in power tools, before fleeing in a waiting vehicle,” Auckland Central Area Commander, Inspector Grae Anderson says.
“The driver and two offenders were seen travelling in the Toyota hatchback along Great North Road towards Karangahape Road.”
Police began coordinating a response, with the Police Eagle helicopter tracking the vehicle’s movements from above.
Inspector Anderson says the vehicle continued towards the Greenlane area.
“Eagle observed the vehicle being driven dangerously, including on the wrong side of the road at one point.”
Spikes were deployed near Greenlane, forcing the vehicle to be abandoned on Campbell Road.
Eagle tracked all three offenders running towards a property on Rawhiti Road.
“Our staff cordoned the area, which ultimately ended with all three men being arrested without further incident,” Inspector Anderson says.
“We have also recovered all the power tools stolen from the store which is a fantastic outcome.”
Three men, aged 27, 28 and 33, have been jointly charged with shoplifting.
They are expected in the Auckland District Court today.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
