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An 18-year-old has been charged and another two teens referred to Youth Aid after a vehicle was allegedly hijacked in Bucklands Beach on Saturday.
A series of incidents also led to a dog that had been allegedly removed from a property during a burglary being handed back to its owner.
Counties Manukau East Area crime prevention manager Inspector Rakana Cook said several worrying incidents began at 12.25pm when two people sitting in their car on Murvale Drive were approached by a man.
"It's understood this person has presented a weapon and forced both people out of the car before taking it and fleeing the area towards MacLeans Road.
"This male has also taken a number of personal items, which were in the vehicle at the time."
Around 5pm the same car and two others, also alleged to have been stolen, arrived at a a petrol station in Pakuranga.
Inspector Cook said the vehicles were already being monitored by the police's Eagle helicopter because one had been reported doing burnouts on Pakuranga Road.
"With the assistance of our police helicopter, ground units were guided in, who attempted to block in the vehicles.
"However, upon those in the vehicle sighting police, two fled the area and a third was abandoned."
One was driven dangerously through Pakuranga, she said, and then the occupants met up again with the other vehicle in Portadown Avenue.
At that stage all three were arrested without incident.
The 18-year-old is due to appear in the Manukau District Court today on charges relating to aggravated burglary and the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Two youths, aged 17, have been referred to Youth Aid.
"We thank the members of the public who reported these matters to us in a swift manner, which allowed our staff to respond accordingly."
Cook said incidents such as that one caused frustration and concern for the community and police were trying hard to bring those responsible for the behaviour to account.
Officers found a dog in one of the vehicles and it was handed over to Animal Management.
A Counties Manukau West sergeant noted a dog had been reported stolen after a previous burglary which led to the dog being reunited with its owner.
"This was fantastic work from police to conclude another incident and bring a resolution to another victim," Inspector Cook said.
