Source: New Zealand Police
A teenager’s failed bid to ram raid a Far North supermarket has tallied up into a list of serious charges.
Police responded after 2.40am yesterday following a burglary reported at the Memorial Avenue store in Kaikohe.
Mid/Far North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, says the vehicle allegedly reversed into the supermarket before one of the offenders exited the vehicle.
“The offender attempted to break the glass but was unable to gain entry,” he says.
“When he noticed a security guard watching, he jumped back in the vehicle and fled the scene.”
Thanks to a quick-thinking witness noting down the number plate, Police were able to determine that the vehicle involved was stolen.
“A Police unit conducting area searches soon located the vehicle driving through Kaikohe,” Senior Sergeant Armstrong says.
“Officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, but it failed to do so and continued travelling at safe speeds.”
Police instead tracked the vehicle’s movements from a distance, as it continued south for around 70 kilometres towards Dargaville.
Armstrong says the vehicle came to a stop.
“The driver ran from the vehicle and the passenger attempted to flee but was caught by our staff,”
“On talking to the passenger, Police became aware that a sawn-off shotgun had been thrown from the vehicle during its travels.”
“Information was relayed to colleagues further north, and Police quickly retrieved the firearm from the roadside near Kaikohe.”
A 14-year-old male appeared in the Whangārei Youth Court yesterday.
He has been charged with burglary, intentional damage, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
Armstrong says efforts to locate the other offender are ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 260305/5389, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111
ENDS
Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police
