Three teens have been arrested in Mangawhai this morning after allegedly trying to steal tsunami alert speakers.
Police were called to a residential property in the Northland town just after 7am after the owner disturbed the alleged thieves.
Waitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley said the group was attempting to steal tsunami alert speakers from the property – "but were unsuccessful".
Police were given descriptions of the alleged offenders, their vehicle's registration, and the direction they went.
“Enquiries revealed the vehicle had been reported as stolen," Thornley said.
Officers, with help from the Eagle helicopter and dog squad, spotted the vehicle "within minutes" travelling along the northern motorway near Puhoi.
The vehicle was spiked, and the group abandoned it, attempting to run away through farmland, police said.
“All three were swiftly taken into custody," Thornley said.
Three people – aged 16, 17, and 18 – were facing charges of theft and unlawfully taking a vehicle.
“Quick actions from the member of the public by providing details of the vehicle and the immediate response from police staff flooding the area led to this great result,” Thornley said.
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