Police chases through various parts of Gisborne following alleged car thefts

Gisborne police are investigating three vehicle thefts believed to be linked following a fleeing driver incident overnight Sunday.

At around 10.50pm, police were alerted to a person stealing a vehicle on Grundy St in Mangapapa.

“It is alleged the offender has used a weapon to threaten the driver of the vehicle before leaving the area,” acting Senior Sergeant Phil Sayers said.

About 11.55pm, police received a report of a second vehicle stolen on Wellington St, Te Hapara, and were then notified of another vehicle being stolen on Huxley Rd, outer Kaiti, about 12.30am on Monday.

“A short time later, patrolling police saw three vehicles of interest travelling on Wainui Rd, where they eventually separated.”

One vehicle was successfully spiked on Rutene Rd, he said.

“The spiked vehicle was abandoned in Carnarvon St and a youth was taken into custody.”

Around 1.10am on Monday, police saw a vehicle of interest in Wainui Rd and signalled it to stop.

“The driver failed to do so [and] fled from police north on Wainui Rd. A pursuit was initiated,” Sayers said.

The vehicle made it to the Tolaga Bay gorge before turning south, back towards Gisborne.

“Following two unsuccessful spike attempts the vehicle was finally spiked at the Turihaua Bridge and was abandoned in Huxley Rd about 3am,” police said.

“Two occupants fled on foot and one youth was located and arrested a short time later. We believe these incidents are linked and an investigation is underway,” Sayers said.

“Inquiries to identify and locate the remaining offenders continue.”

The two youths were to appear in Youth Court.

“If anyone has any information in relation to these incidents, please contact Police at 105 online or by phone, using the reference number P065914923.”

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or at 0800 555 111.