Airgun-toting teens take potshots at people

Teenagers in Whangarei are using airguns to take potshots at people, police say.
Yesterday someone shot and shattered the window of a city bus while it was making a U-turn on Smeaton Dr about 10.30am.
The bus, which was carrying two passengers, was taken off its run for repairs. No one was injured but Whangarei Bus Company manager Gavin Roberts was livid.
"It's a worry when they're starting to shoot at public transport," he said. "It's destruction of property and there's the safety issue for the customers. Our drivers don't put up with anyone that's abusive because it's to be a safe environment - but we can't control what goes on outside." The bus was likely to be out of action for at least four days while the window was fixed. Police were investigating.
On Wednesday two Whangarei schoolboys were shot with what is believed to have been an airgun while training for a cross-country race. A group of third formers was running along a cycle track near the school when someone shot at them at 1.10pm. Two students were hit in the leg.
A police spokesman said taking potshots seemed to becoming a "prevalent thing", and usually involved teenagers. "We take it very seriously and they can look forward to being dealt with in the appropriate way through the courts," he said.