Please attribute to Wairarapa Area Commander, Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson
Police would like to thank members of the public who helped apprehend a group of youths in a stolen car on Tuesday evening.
Police located the vehicle travelling north on SH2 towards Greytown at about 5.20pm.
The vehicle was followed from a distance under the legal speed limit. A pursuit was not initiated. Instead, Police successfully deployed roadspikes just outside Greytown.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Humphries Street.
The seven occupants fled in different directions but with the help of locals, were found and taken into custody. All offenders have been referred to Youth Aid.
The driver is also to appear in the Youth Court on driving charges.
At least 10 members of the public were present and helped Police track the offenders through several private properties. Their help is greatly appreciated and led directly to the successful apprehension of the group.
Police are investigating other offences in relation to this incident.
One of the occupants in the stolen car was unrestrained in the front passenger footwell. This is extremely concerning and a situation where there could have been a more serious outcome including serious injury or death.
We are alarmed at this behaviour, as almost a third of people who die on our roads are unrestrained vehicle occupants. These deaths are preventable. Being properly restrained reduces your chance of death or serious injury in a crash by 60 per cent in the front seat and 44 per cent in the back seat.
If you witnessed the incident, or have video footage, and have not yet been in touch with us, please contact Police via 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report and referencing file number 221108/3644
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-nz.org
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre