- Two teens stole a car and attempted to break into two Invercargill businesses.
- After failing twice, they stole vapes, cash, and sweets from a Windsor dairy.
- Police apprehended them with a dog unit shortly after their spree ended.
Two Invercargill teenagers have been arrested following a chaotic crime spree that included a stolen car, failed break-ins, and a successful theft from a local dairy.
Police reported that the incident began early on Monday morning when the duo stole a Mazda from an address in Kingswell. Around 5am, they arrived at a jeweller in the city centre and attempted to break its windows using a scooter. When that effort failed, they moved on to a service station in Newfield, but were again unsuccessful in gaining entry.
During the spree, the pair reportedly encountered a member of the public, scaring the person off by pretending to have a firearm.
Their final stop was a dairy in Windsor, where they managed to smash their way inside. Once inside, they stole various items, including vapes, cash, and confectionery, before fleeing the scene in the stolen car.
Police were quick to respond. A dog unit located the vehicle and tracked the teenagers after they abandoned the car and attempted to escape on foot. Both were taken into custody shortly after 6am.
The teens, whose exact ages were not disclosed, face multiple charges, including three counts of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and being unlawfully in a closed yard. They were scheduled to appear in the Invercargill Youth Court later that day.
Detective Peter Smallfield of Invercargill Police noted the impact of such crimes on the local community and expressed relief at the swift resolution. He also praised members of the public for their prompt calls to emergency services, which helped ensure the pair were caught quickly.