Police during what appeared to be a chase through the Whangārei district. Photo / NZME
A steady stream of police sirens caught the attention of Whangārei residents as officers appeared to be led on a lengthy pursuit.
The Advocate understands officers were trying to stop a car with multiple people inside the vehicle.
A witness described the motorists as wearing all black with masks covering the lower half of their faces.
Whangārei police confirmed they were investigating at least three commercial burglaries in the area overnight.
A police spokesperson said two were unsuccessful, and a vehicle was used to gain entry to a third business.
The first attempt occurred at a store on Port Rd at around 5am.
The spokesperson said bollards installed outside the store thwarted offenders’ attempts to gain entry and they left.
Nearly 10 minutes later, a Maunu Rd liquor store was targeted in a failed burglary.
After 6am, a car was used to ram-raid GAS Ruakākā on Port Marsden Highway. The offenders then fled.
Police are continuing to investigate whether the incidents are linked and did not comment on whether the chase was related.
Officers early this morning were led through Otaika before tailing the vehicle along SH14. They followed the car through Maunu and Kensington before the vehicle was reportedly dumped on Winston St, a small cul-de-sac in Tikipunga, around an hour later.
Passersby reported seeing the car travelling at “bullet speed” as it tore through Western Hills Dr with police in tow.
Officers were seen scouring the Tikipunga shopping complex while a police dog handler was spotted down nearby residential streets.
They have asked the public to relay any information connected to the incidents via 105 or anonymously on Crime Stoppers - 0800 555 111.
Bocky Boo Gelato opened in Whangārei in 2019 and quickly became a local favourite.