Police said the three males, aged between 16 and 19, were involved in a series of aggravated robberies and burglaries. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Three Northland teenagers are facing dozens of charges after an alleged crime spree.
Police said the three males, aged between 16 and 19, were involved in a series of aggravated robberies and burglaries over recent weeks.
They were caught driving two allegedly stolen vehicles through Ngunguru.
"Our staff attempted to signal these vehicles to stop - one vehicle stopped with the other attempting to evade police," said Whangārei area commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom.
"I would like to acknowledge the Tutukaka locals for their assistance as they were quick to point out where they had gone."
Police charged the trio with 18 separate offences, including robberies at a Paihia bar, a Tikipunga dairy and two other shops in Whangārei and Kerikeri.
They are before the Whangārei District and Youth Courts. Police said further charges could not be ruled out.
"Police continue to take a dim view on this brazen and often violent offending being inflicted on our community," Nordstrom said.
"We will continue to utilise all tools available to us to hold offenders to account."
