Would-be burglars chased out

Two teenagers who allegedly broke into a Whangarei house got more than they bargained for when the home owner chased them down the street.

Police area commander for Whangarei-Kaipara, Inspector Tracy Phillips, said when the boys, aged 13 and 14, realised they were caught in the act they ran off along Islington St, into Kamo Rd about 5.45am yesterday.

They sought the help of a person in a house and got them to ring police, saying they were being chased by a man with a knife.

Police then received a call from another person reporting they had been burgled.

Ms Phillips said officers put two and two together and linked the calls.

As it turned out, the pursuing man did not have a knife.

However, police recovered a stolen PlayStation and were investigating another burglary that may be linked.

The duo were to be referred to the police Youth Aid section.

Ms Phillips did not encourage people to confront burglars but said if they could be followed, or chased, at a safe distance it was helpful for police.

"If someone is running away follow them at a safe distance and give police an update. It means we can get there quicker, get a police dog tracking and put in cordons." Ms Phillips said. "Burglary is a cowardly act."