Three teenagers were caught on camera by a "quick-thinking" neighbour while robbing a house in east Auckland.
The resident took a photo of the trio running through the Wai O Taiki Bay property after observing some "suspicious activity" – one of multiple incidents police said involved the group that day.
Auckland City east area prevention manager Inspector Charles Ip, commended the neighbour's fast reaction, which helped investigations.
"The quick-thinking informant managed to snap footage of the group as they fled," he said.
"The homeowners later confirmed their property had been broken into and items stolen."
Three separate robberies were reported to Auckland Police between 1.20pm and 2.12pm in the east Auckland suburbs of Gen Innes and Glen Dowie on Wednesday.
The group of youths were believed to be involved in all three events.
By studying the footage, comparing with other CCTV images and carrying out public enquiries, police were soon onto the culprits.
"By 8.30pm, a positive visual identification of one of the suspects was made. Officers attended the male's address where he was located and taken into custody," Ip said.
Two other offenders were later identified and found at Glen Innes properties.
Three teens, aged 15, 16 and 18, have been charged with four counts of burglary and remained in police custody.
They were due to appear in Auckland District Court and Auckland Youth Court.
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