Three teenagers have been arrested after bikes were forcibly taken from several young people at a popular East Auckland park, including a 14-year-old who suffered a broken arm.
Police received several reports on Sunday afternoon about a group of young people stealing bicycles around Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.
Inspector Steve Albre said a 13-year-old reported being approached by a group of males who stole his bicycle on Ti Rakau Dr.
“About 30 minutes later a second person reported that the same group had stolen his 14-year-old daughter’s bicycle, where she sustained a broken arm after allegedly being pushed off her bike," he said.
Albre said two suspects were then spotted on Pakuranga Rd.
“On seeing police, the youths rode off at speed towards Lloyd Elsmore Park, however officers blocked in the offenders and quickly took them into custody."
The bicycle taken in the first incident was recovered, Albre said.
While officers were dealing with the pair, a parent of one of the victims identified a third suspect at the park, who was also taken into custody.
Albre said inquiries established the third teenager had just stolen another bicycle from another 12-year-old in the park.
A total of five bicycles were seized from the three teenagers and returned to their owners.
The three 15-year-olds were referred to youth aid services, while police inquiries remained ongoing.
"This was a cowardly act, and this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated within our community," Albre said.
"It’s pleasing to be able to share with our local community that, through the support and information provided by members of the public and the proactive efforts of Police, these offenders have been identified and apprehended.”
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