A homeowner is injured and five youths have been arrested following the burglary of a house and subsequent assault in Auckland on Wednesday night.
Police said the burglary was happening on Ohinerau St, Remuera at about 9pm when the owner of the property arrived home.
Snr Sgt David Mayes, of Auckland City East, said the five offenders attempted to flee when the owner confronted them.
But when the owner attempted to stop the alleged burglars from fleeing, he was assaulted by one of them, Mayes said.
"Those involved ran from the area, however responding frontline officers, with the assistance of the Eagle helicopter and the police dog unit, located and took all five into custody without further incident."
Mayes said the victim sustained minor injuries and the five young people, aged between 11 and 13, were referred to Youth Aid.
"They have since received medical treatment for minor injuries and are now recovering at home," Mayes said of the victim.
"We understand the impact property crime can have, however would caution people against taking matters into their own hands.
"In general, the best thing to do is to avoid a confrontation, maintain observations and call police.
"We hope the swift arrests are reassuring to our Remuera locals and the wider community. Our frontline officers work extremely hard and around the clock to hold offenders to account."
