Staff members at a store in Auckland's Takapuna had to lock themselves in a back room during an overnight burglary which saw four people arrested.
Detective Sergeant Mark Wardlaw said the group wearing balaclavas allegedly forced their way into the Barry's Point Rd business and "stole a number of items and cash" just after 1.30am this morning.
"Staff who were present at the time had to lock themselves in a back room during the ordeal," he said. "Fortunately no one was injured."
Wardlaw said as the group were leaving in a vehicle police units arrived. The group's vehicle then allegedly drove into one of the police cars before taking off "at speed".
"A short pursuit was initiated over the Harbour Bridge and through central Auckland before it was called off due to the dangerous manner of driving," he said.
Wardlaw said the Eagle helicopter was able to track the vehicle until it collided with a tree on Atarangi Rd, Greenlane, where the driver fled but was quickly taken into custody by the Delta dog unit. The other three passengers had fled prior to the vehicle crashing and all were located and arrested without incident.
A 42-year-old man and a 17-year-old will appear in North Shore District Court today charged with burglary.
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 14, were referred to Youth Aid Services.
SHARE ME