Source: New Zealand Police
Three people, including two youths, have been arrested and charged following a series of burglaries in the Northland region.
The arrests come after two commercial premises in Ruakākā and One Tree Point were targeted in recent weeks, with cash and a significant amount of alcohol among the items taken.
Detective Senior Sergent Shane Pilmer, Whangārei-Kaipara Area Investigations Manager, says the offenders allegedly used stolen vehicles during both offences.
“Around 4.30am on 2 August, a vehicle was used to gain entry to a Rauiri Drive store.
“The offenders stole confectionary and then left the store before returning to steal alcohol.”
The group then fled in the stolen car.
Two weeks later, on 17 August, offenders broke into a premises on Sime Road.
Alcohol and cash were taken from the business, with the group leaving in a stolen car. The vehicle was later located on George Point Road.
Enquiries by the Whangārei Tactical Crime Unit identified three suspects.
This week, staff executed search warrants in the Whangārei area, and three males were located and charged.
“Businesses in our community should be able to operate without the fear that they will be targeted by this kind of offending.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to hold these offenders to account,” Detective Senior Sergent Pilmer says.
A 19-year-old male has been charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of unlawful takes motor vehicle. He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Whangārei District Court on 4 September.
A 15-year-old male and a 17-year-old male have been charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of unlawful takes motor vehicle. Both will appear in Whangārei Youth Court on 3 September.
ENDS.
Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/21/trio-charged-following-northland-burglaries/