Five teenagers and two adults have been arrested after two fleeing from police in South Auckland overnight.
Police say there is a concerning trend among young people of fleeing from police and it's only a matter of time until someone gets hurt.
The spate of arrests related to two separate chases. The first started at 12:45pm when police spotted a vehicle of interest driving on Porchester Road, Papakura. Officers signalled for it to stop but it didn't.
Counties Manukau central area prevention manager Inspector Mark Chivers said the vehicle, believed to be stolen, was then spotted by the Eagle helicopter travelling throughout the Southmall area.
"The vehicle has been spiked but the driver has continued to drive recklessly throughout the Manurewa area before eventually coming to a stop on Cavendish Drive," Insp Chivers said.
He said five young people were found hiding nearby and arrested.
"Not only did this group place themselves in danger by continuing to flee police, but they put a large number of other motorists in danger on the roads due to the distance that they travelled," Insp Chivers said.
"These fleeing driver incidents highlight a concerning trend of young offenders having a total disregard for other people’s property, or the safety of other, law-abiding members of the community.
"It's only a matter of time before such selfish behaviour results in themselves or an innocent member of the public being hurt."
Two 16-year-olds will appear in Manukau Youth Court on Friday charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle. Another 16-year-old charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop and dangerous driving will also appear in Manukau Youth Court on Wednesday. A 12 and 13-year-old were referred to Youth Aid Services.
Just an hour later, police in Counties Manukau east saw a vehicle of interest travelling north on State Highway 1 before exiting at Highbrook.
Counties Manukau east area prevention manager Inspector Rakana Cook said the vehicle was spotted travelling in tandem with another car and both failed to stop when signalled.
"No pursuit was initiated, instead Eagle has then continued to track both vehicles and provided commentary to staff on the ground," Insp Cook said.
Cook said the vehicles were followed to an address on Ti Rakau Drive where the occupants got out and entered a house. Police followed them and took two people into custody.
A 21-year-old woman will appear in Manukau District Court on Wednesday charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving without a license and possession of methamphetamine. A 33-year-old man charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle will also appear in court.
